A Dedicated Tutor Put a Book in Jaime’s Hands … and a Smile on His Face
By Eric Steckel
August 22, 2024
You Helped Jaime Blossom Into a Confident Reader
Thanks to you—and the persistent efforts of his dedicated tutor, Kirby Smith—Jorge has become an enthusiastic reader.
When was the last time you really struggled to learn something? How did it make you feel? Frustrated? Reluctant? Ready to throw in the towel? We’ve all been there!
So was Jaime*. Last year, this little guy was a second grader who struggled with reading, barely at a kindergarten level. He was discouraged and reluctant to take part in Succeeding by Reading. Thanks to you—and the persistent efforts of his dedicated tutor, Kirby Smith—Jaime’s story has taken a remarkable turn.
Kirby began tutoring after retiring in 2020. He described his experience with Jaime as both challenging and rewarding. “Jaime is a strong-willed boy with a rich emotional background that sometimes hindered his ability to concentrate,” Kirby shared.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Jaime struggled in the same reading “zone” for months. Some days he was frustrated and unwilling to work. Clinic coordinator Brenda Paulin administered three skills checks to move on to the next “zone.” Each time, Jaime just missed moving on.
“When he finally passed I nearly cried. He finally made it.”
Kirby discovered that meeting Jaime halfway with engaging activities helped the boy focus. He would begin each session with a picture comparison game that was easy and fun. He discovered that Jaime loves soccer. To keep him motivated, Kirby gave him a coloring book of his favorite soccer player, Lionel Messi. Some days were better than others, but Kirby’s patience and creativity paid off.
After three near-misses, Jaime finally passed his skill check in the last week of the program. Kirby vividly recalls the joy and relief they both felt. “When he finally passed I nearly cried. He finally made it,” Kirby said.
Without feeling that moment of success, Jaime might have continued to feel sullen about learning.
Kirby values the one-on-one relationship he developed with Jaime. Kirby tailored his tutoring to Jaime’s needs. It made a significant difference to Jaime’s progress.
Your gifts support children who thrive on personalized tutoring, and put smiles on faces!
This breakthrough transformed Jaime’s attitude toward learning. He became an enthusiastic reader, and it was the rocket fuel needed to improve his attitude toward learning and reading.
You support children who thrive on perseverance and personalized support. Kirby’s dedication exemplifies the impact caring tutors can have on a child’s life. You give children like Jaime a fairer chance to succeed in school … and in life.
Your $15 gift gives children like Jaime a one-on-one tutor for a day. You are giving them the gift of reading!
Tutor a child! Yes, I can help a child learn reading and math!
I want to tutor a child in reading or math!
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* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.
