Fox Valley literacy group offers quicker training

Now it's more convenient for volunteers to help adults understand and speak English. Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley is offering shorter, 8-hour tutor training workshops that include online learning modules. The 10-minute modules include PowerPoint with voice-over.

"So many people tell us that it's no problem to tutor one hour a week," said Peg Coker, executive director. "The problem is scheduling a six-session, three-week training into their busy lives." The new training meets four times over a two-week period.

Two workshops have been scheduled this fall. Residents can attend the workshop that will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16, 18, 23, and 25; or the workshop that will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Oct. 20, 23, 27 and 30. All sessions will be held at the St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

Each person who completes training will be matched with an adult student who lives or works in St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia or Elburn. Tutors meet with students one hour each week at a time and public location that is convenient.

Most students are interested in practical English that will help them become more independent, comfortable members of our community. For example, a Russian woman wanted help reading food labels so she could find rice among the convenience foods on store shelves. A Cuban woman wanted to understand the U.S. Postal system so she could mail shoes to her sister.

It is not necessary to know a second language or have a background in education to help. According to learners, the most successful tutors have patience and are good listeners. Staff members provide continuing tutor support.

To register for one of the workshops or for more information, call (630) 584-4428 or visit www.lvfv.org. Click on "Learn More" to see a three-minute video about the tutor experience.