I wrote a while back about USCRI. Well, I signed up as a volunteer, and recently have been meeting with the family I am to "mentor" - help out a little, befriend, or however it turns out to be.
I'm not going to write a whole lot about this family, except to say that they have been refugees from their own country for very much longer than the less-than-a-year they've been in the States. There are kids in school, and one little one still at home. Due to their circumstances, at the moment they survive on benefits. I was overwhelmed today when I took the mother to the supermarket and she tried to give me a bag of groceries - paid for with her food-stamps - as a thank you. I hope we can quickly build a relationship in which she no longer feels she needs to make such gestures, much as I appreciate her desire to do so.
Meanwhile, back at home, I'm trying to get my head round the Boy's Math[s] homework - getting to grips with "commutative and associative properties" for example. Definitions aside, the poor lad can barely pronounce the words; and as for spelling them... I'm sure I wasn't studying stuff like that when I was nine.
I am sure you will develop a good friendship with your new family. Sounds like the mother has a generous spirit. She will appreciate your time and efforts.
ReplyDeleteAs for maths, I think it is unduly complicated. I like maths, love it really but it doesn't help if the language is difficult to communicate - particular to young learners.