The Smarter Me program started in September 2009 to enable at risk
students to improve their reading skills through two-hour small group setting
sessions on Saturdays. The main goals
of the Smarter Me program are to improve basic reading and comprehension
skills, reach grade level in reading, motivate children to incorporate reading
into their daily lives, and enhance their educational performance in school. We believe literacy affects many areas of
development, from success in academics to personal self-esteem.
Our small group instructional setting allows the tutors to give each student the individual attention he or she deserves. This practice of one-on-one tutoring allows relationships between the child and tutor to form, letting the child know their tutor values them as an individual. Fred Rogers, better loved by the world as Mr. Rogers, was quoted in 2001 saying, “Do you remember your favorite teachers? They were probably the ones who wanted to learn your name; who had a warm smile; who made you feel that they were glad to be there to help you learn. No matter how old or young we are, we learn best from people who care about us. That relationship grows when teachers are friendly, respectful, and interested in us as unique human beings.” At Next Generation Focus, we firmly believe in this mantra. NGF is completely staffed by volunteers, most of whom are teens. NGF intentionally recruits teens so that we can instill in our future leaders a sense of social responsibility and community involvement, teach leadership and organizational skills, and focus their energy in a constructive manner. It also provides a setting for teens to form wholesome friendships and a support system as they navigate the difficult transition into adulthood. Moreover, we found that the Smarter Me children respond well to teens.Our tutoring sessions are overseen by certified teachers. |
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