My experience ranges from teaching students in a private school from grades 1 to 5 to tutoring adults at the public library. My current experience, and the most rewarding one, is tutoring English at the Hamilton Public Library. We cannot disregard the power of one-on-one instruction.
That one or two hours a week of attention can change a person’s outlook. Not only are we teaching them English, but we are also trying to boost their self-confidence in a world where they need to navigate, learn, and jump back up after rejection or criticism.
Those who are new to Canada have a tough world to navigate. Can we foster determination in these one-on-one sessions? I am not a certified psychologist; however, I believe the power of words is important. In my experience, I have encountered individuals who struggle to understand how the world works here in Canada, where the country and culture are all new. They come to the English lesson with already a lot on their plate.
What I found useful is praising their improvements and reminding them to keep going. For me, it’s one phrase, “Keep going”! It’s one that I use during my long-distance runs, when my legs are tired and my thoughts are telling me to stop, I say “Keep going.” And it works! For instance, I was tutoring a female student from Ukraine. Let’s call her Marina. Marina is applying for permanent residency, and she realized it will take two years to get there. There are numerous forms to fill out, and lots of details to review. As we moved past this, we started our lesson, and she was so happy to get all the answers correct in the reading and answer portion of one of our exercises. The joy on her face was astounding. The first minute in our session, she was bogged down with paperwork and said she had a busy day and looked a little drawn out. By the end of our lesson, she responded correctly not to just one of the reading passages but two of them. All the answers were correct. She said, “I surprised myself.” And I responded with, “You are doing really well, you are improving every time I see you, good job!”
Each week I am so proud of her improvement and confidence to keep tackling more difficult reads. This drive does not come from me, it comes from the student. However, we are the hand that can help them press the pedal. So, let’s have English be a skill they can conquer and carry with them as a sense of accomplishment.
Diana Lombardi
Hi, my name is Diana and I’m passionate about learning. I’m an ESL Tutor with the Hamilton Public Library and an ESL instructor with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic School Board. I’m honoured to have the privilege of accompanying ESL learners on their journey in acquiring a second language. It is amazing not only to teach but also observe the improvements ESL students make with each passing lesson.
Thank you for your post. I volunteered for the library adult literacy program and hope to support an ESL student on their journey. I agree it’s an honour to teach others. I will remember your advice to be encouraging, respectful and a huge supporter of the steps , however big or small, they take each week.
Hi Rosemary,
I’m glad you had a good experience volunteering for the adult literacy program. It’s amazing to see the students advance each week and the commitment they put into learning.
Hi Diana,
I am interested in tutoring ESL as well. I’m a teacher with the TVDSB in London. I didn’t think that one could tutor (get paid) in a library setting. Can you give me some information on how you established yourself with the Hamilton Library?
Hi LeAnne, the tutoring was actually volunteer based (so unpaid). I know it would be nice to get paid for it, but the experience in and of itself was rewarding. You follow students along in their life, and they are motivated to learn and manoeuvre over obstacles. The commitment is 2 hours a week, so not so bad. The library can also write a letter for you at the end documenting the number of volunteer hours so you have that in your portfolio. I’m glad you are inspired in donating your time.