Learners at Oak View recently wrote why they joined the literacy program and why they continue. One learner shared:
I want to learn English because is important for many things for me. I like speak more English for my job and sometimes I need to help my daughter with her homework and I like this program because they help everybody for many things and always help me when I need something.
Anonymous
This story was submitted by James’ tutor. The names have been changed to protect privacy.
James was asked to apply for a job, which he would not do, preferring to keep his current job rather than risk completing an application. An additional 5 months went by, and the company asked him again to apply. Confident with his increased literacy skills and encouraged by his tutor, Susan, James interviewed for the job. He is happy in his new position!
One of the most fun things we get to do in Family Literacy is a bilingual storytime for families with very young children at Oak View Branch Library. Today we told stories about the jungle and animals and made coconut trees for a craft. I love to see how young children create art and asked if I could take a picture of one two-year old girl’s project created with cupcake liners, markers and paper coconuts.
Books today: I Can Help by David Hyde Costello, I Want My Banana/Quiero Mi Plátano by Mary Risk and Peekaboo in the Jungle by Maureen Warner
Songs/Rhymes: 5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree (although much slower) , Hot Potato and Hands up High and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Learn all about being a literacy volunteer at the Family Literacy Tutor Training Workshop! The Family Literacy Program is part of Literacy Volunteers Huntington Beach Library. Registration is required; please call (714) 375-5104.
Orientation/Session 1: Saturday August 15, 1:00-3:30pm
Session 2: Tuesday August 18 6:00-8:30pm
Session 3: Thursday August 20 6:00-8:30pm
Session 4: Tuesday August 25 6:00-8:30pm
Session 5: Tuesday November 17 6:00-6:30
Tutors who successfully complete the first 4 sessions can begin tutoring in September and then will come to the follow-up session in November to learn additional techniques and activities for tutoring.
All sessions will be at the Oak View Branch Library, 17251 Oak Lane, Huntington Beach CA.
I have been in the Literacy Program for 8 years. I feel very happy with all I learned and because of that my life is becoming easier.
When I started in the program I hardly spoke English. I did understand, but I was afraid to speak. Today I can have a conversation with an English speaker and I feel comfortable speaking. The writing is my problem, but my tutor is trying her best to teach me. I’m sure I will be improving. It will take me a little longer, but I will get it.
When I started to learn English, one of my personal goals was one day to become my own boss, and today I have achieved my goal. I have my own business. Some of my customers are English speaking people.
My family life has improved so much. Today I do not depend on my kids or any one to do something that involves English. I can do it. I feel proud of myself.
I want to thank all the people who make this program possible because this program changed my life and other people’s lives, too. I want to especially thank my tutor, Mrs. Marilyn. She is the best. She is very patient. I love how she teaches us.
Marisela Antonio
Amelia and her tutor have been reading children’s books in their tutoring sessions. Recently, Amelia took If You Give a Mouse a Cookie home and after reading it with her daughter Natalie, Natalie turned and said “Thank you for reading this book to me!” Amelia and her tutor were so happy.
Calling all walkers and runners! Dust off those sneakers and meet us in the park for the WalkRunRead! 5k, and then stay for a free storytime in the park.
This a wonderful event organized by Literacy Volunteers Huntington Beach Library.
April 19, 2015 8:00am
Huntington Beach Central Park (The Edwards Street Entrance)
Ingredients
Directions
Combine love and confidence. Mix deeply with respect and patience. Add Communication and humor. Cook the rest of the creativity sprinkles and lots of love.
Servings everyday: One plate of love, confidence, communication, humor, patience, creativity sprinkles and spoons of respect.
I want to speak English better because I want to take my GED and I want to talk with my children’s teacher, and I want to continue to help my children with their homework. In the future, I also want to get a better job.
I want to say thank you to Amy. Thanks for everything!
Claudia, Margarita and everybody who works here in the library especially my teacher Cathy, thanks for your help.
I want to understand more when I attend my children’s school conferences. Many thanks to the Family Literacy Program and the teachers!
Literacy Volunteers-HBPL 
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