Commentary; Posted: 12/10/03

In education, those who give get more in return

Joe Nathan
Guest Columnist

When you give, you often get a lot more back. Thatís what happened recently while I was tutoring four inner city six-year-olds.

Iím trying to help these youngsters, some of whom donít speak English at home, to learn to read. Everyone reading this column knows that reading is perhaps the single most vital skill for youngsters to learn. With it, a whole world opens up. Without it, a youngsterís prospects are very limited.

As part of tutoring, I bring a piece of fruit for these youngsters. Itís a healthy snack they eat at the end of the 30 minutes we spend together each week.

Last week one of the young people asked for a peach (the others asked for strawberries, grapes or a banana). Dummy that I am, I did not realize that peaches are out of season.

So I brought an extra banana. He was very appreciative. Then I asked what he would like me to bring next week.

He smiled shyly, and requested a pear. Then he looked up at me, and asked quietly, did I think I could bring a pear for his mom, and one for his dad?

Here is a six year old, who might be thinking about a thousand things for himself ó like the toys he wants for Christmas. And heís from a family that has faced a lot of challenges over the last few years.

Who is he thinking about? His parents.

Wow!

Yes, my eyes misted over. Maybe Iím a big softy. But I was moved so much by that youngsterís concern for his parents.

When we were finished, I went to the nearest grocery store, and bought three pears. I also bought some fruit for the whole class.

And when I returned, and handed him a bag with three pearsÖ well, I just donít know how to describe the joy I saw on his face.

The teacher who works with these youngsters says they, and she, appreciate the help.

But I have to say this: I am getting so much, so very much, from spending 30 minutes a week with these youngsters.

This is a special time of year. Giving to others is a constant topic.

Giving things is good. Youngsters appreciate a watch, a doll, new golf balls or whatever.

But would you please consider giving a bit of time? Just 30 minutes a week can make a huge difference for several youngsters.

Every school I have visited in the last 30 years: city, suburb or small town, has some youngsters who could use extra help and attention.

Thirty minutes, once a week, is not a lot of time. And in all honesty, you are not just giving to others when you tutor youngsters.

The shy smile, the warm thanks, the progress youngsters will make with your help ó what you are doing is really, truly, giving yourself a powerful present.

The writer directs the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He can be reached at jnathan@hhh.umn.edu.

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