LAPEER, MICHIGAN The Family Literacy Center and the Lapeer District Library are partners for literacy in Lapeer County.

VOLUNTEER   OPPORTUNITIES

Our Mission - Building skills and enriching lives through literacy in the Lapeer County area.   If you think you're unqualified to teach someone to read, please consider that you just passed the test.  All it takes is the ability to read and the interest to help others. As a volunteer for the Family Literacy Center, you'll help someone learn one of the most basic skills for getting ahead. And it only takes two hours a week. Call today. We'll give you all the training you need. (810) 664-2737 View/Print How To Become a Tutor Brochure Volunteer to be a tutor for an adult learner  Frequently asked questions about being a tutor: Why should I be a tutor? What is the training like? Who can become a tutor?   How do I become a tutor? Where do I get materials? Where and how often do I tutor? What are the detailed eligibility requirements for a tutor?    Why should I be a tutor? Most of us are looking for a way to make a difference in the world we live in.  Teaching an adult to read is a satisfying way to do that. As a tutor, you help to "free a mind" to learn, to grow and achieve.  You see a person "take wings" moving from self-doubt to self-confidence, from an "I can't do it" attitude to an "anything is possible" attitude. At the same time, YOU are learning, growing, achieving and gaining new perspectives on the world you live in.  What b etter incentive could there be?  What is the training like? The 14 hour LitStart Tutor Training is very thorough. Although it is intensive, the classes are casual and fun! Some of the topics covered are: Understanding the adult learners and their goals Teaching to your student's learning style How to help with phonics, sight words and word families Developing comprehension How to plan a session using your student's interests Developing writing skills Information for working with an English as a Second Language student In addition, the Family Literacy Center provides at least 3 in-service meetings throughout the year.  Topics for these sessions are chosen to help increase a tutor's skills.   Tutors receive ongoing guidance and support from the Family Literacy Center staff. Who can become a tutor? Any interested adult who can: Read and write English well commit two hours a week to a student Relate with sensitivity & compassion to another adult Maintain confidentiality, demonstrate patience & perseverance  You do not have to be a teacher to be a tutor. Among those tutoring in our program are a nurse, a cashier, a computer programmer, a press operator, a secretary, a real estate agent, a landscape designer and several retired people from a variety of occupations.  How do I become a Tutor? Call the Family Literacy office to sign up for an orientation session to learn more about the organization. We will answer your questions and explain in greater detail what its's like to be a volunteer tutor. After attending an orientation, you will need to attend a 14 hour intensive LitStart training program before being matched with a student.   In addition, the Family Literacy Center provides at least 3 in-service meetings on topics which will increase a tutor's skills.  Tutors are also given guidance and suggestions by Family Literacy Center staff.  Where do I get Materials? You will be trained to use everyday materials (newspapers, magazines, menus, job related materials) as "textbooks."   The Family Literacy Center's library has many workbooks and different reading materials available for your use.   A "New Reader's Collection" of books is available from our library as well as the Marguerite deAngeli Library and it's branches in Metamora and Columbiaville.  How often do I tutor? And where? Tutoring pairs usually meet once per week, year round.  Sessions last for 1-2 hours.  The  place, time and frequency of meetings are arranged by the tutor, student and Family Literacy Center.  Most meet at places such as a room in a church, library, township hall or other public building.  There is also limited meeting space available at the Family Literacy Center.  Tutoring is never allowed in private homes.   We will help you find an appropriate and convenient place.  TELEPHONE (810) 664-2737 FAX (810) 664-5870 E-MAIL: ican@readlapeer.org  Office Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday or other hours by appointment

Main Page Events & Fund Raisers Recommended Web Links and Books Information for Adult Students Family Programs Volunteer Tutors Partners & Sponsors Office and Staff Contact Us! Community Calendar Lapeer District Library   Access more  about Lapeer  County Community Services --Go  to  Lapeer County Information Depot   View our schedule of workshops and activities -- Go to Lapeer County Information Depot Community Calendar       Family Literacy Center A United Way Agency Local (810) 664-2737 E-Mail ican@readlapeer.org

Events & Fund Raisers	Recommended Web Links and books	Information for Students	Learning Styles Information	Volunteer Tutors
Sample Materials	Partners & Sponsors	Office and Staff	Contact Us!	Community Calendar