The idea of doing schoolwork over the summer has a negative connotation, conjuring images of long hours in a hot classroom and students catching up on previously introduced material. But when executed with the right intentions, summer learning opportunities can spark academic curiosity and creativity, no matter the season.
May Song, a PESA summer tutor and rising junior at USC, believes in using students’ natural interests to engage them in schoolwork. Working with two siblings from the San Fernando Valley (in separate tutoring sessions), Song has mastered how to adapt her material to students’ different passions.
The kindergarten student loves to draw, which Song has incorporated into reading comprehension lessons. “Whenever I pick books, I try to pick books with engaging visuals, so we can ask questions along the way, like, ‘What do you think this animal is doing here? How would you draw this animal?’” Along with facilitating participation, Song chooses material that is interesting to students to create a safe learning environment. Because the kindergarten student was actively engaged in tutoring sessions, “she was able to practice more, and I was able to encourage her that it’s O.K. to make a mistake—that we could just sound it out and keep going.” According to Song, not only has this student made substantial progress in developing her literacy skills, but together they have built a strong rapport throughout these summer tutoring sessions. “Once in a while, she’ll give me a drawing she’s made,” said Song.
With the third-grade student, Song has been able to create appropriately challenging activities, without losing this same sentiment of academic engagement through exploring students’ passions. “He’s mostly interested in strange bugs, so we’ll go on Nat Geo for Kids to research bugs.” This activity has inspired the third-grade student to continue his learning outside of tutoring sessions, as he frequently shares new facts about bugs with Song. While this student strengthens his reading and research skills, Song joked about the bug facts, “It’s a learning process for both of us!”
Despite her advanced lesson-planning skills, Song explained, “I had never really tutored younger students.” Song, who was born and raised in Hawaii, became involved with PESA as a way to feel more connected to Los Angeles. “I like the diversity in L.A., and this is a very valuable, rewarding experience, because [PESA] is centered around the local community.” As part of PESA’s summer tutoring staff, Song emphasized her belief in the importance of keeping tutoring accessible year-round. “I think summer is a really good time for preparing students; it allows them to ease into the next year.”
Tutors like Song can make that smooth transition possible, through PESA’s cultivation of a summer tutoring program that assists and inspires students. Because when students are excited to learn, summer school takes on a whole new meaning. ■
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