Help your students to become better readers, writers and thinkers
Your role is to help your students develop the skills to succeed at reading, writing and homework activities, not to just give them the answers.
Be an equal partner
Both you and your students are responsible for the activities during your sessions and should bring materials to work on. Choose activities based on your students’ strengths, needs and interests.
Be committed
Stick with it. Be on time. If you can’t attend a session, let your students know ahead of time. Expect the same commitment from them.
Be a mentor
Always have a positive attitude towards books, learning and school. Help your students understand that making mistakes is an important part of learning.
Be a facilitator
You are a resource to help your students achieve their learning goals. You need to help your students develop self‐confidence and trust.
Be a motivator
Even the most eager students go through periods when they have trouble getting excited about learning. Help each of your students to focus and stay committed.
Open the world of learning to your students
Help your students to discover new interests and possibilities. Bring poetry, magazines, music and books — anything that may catch their interest.
Remember, it’s about relationships
Ensure you get to know each of your students. Nurturing these relationships will allow your students to trust you. Once they trust you, they will be able to take risks with you, such as making mistakes; talking about things they have trouble understanding or discussing their fears about school. Establishing a relationship built on trust and mutual respect is key to learning, which is especially true for youth who may have struggled for many years at school.