12ATTN: Parents

TO REQUEST A PEER TUTOR, send a friend request to this QR code

In your introduction message, say “Request Peer Tutor.”  After we have received your contact information through We Chat, we will be in touch with you for more information.

About Peer Tutoring

Most of the world is learning English.  In China English is taught early in elementary school and students vigorously study English in order to excel and increase their opportunities.

As we all know, actually using a language can be more enjoyable and beneficial than being taught by a teacher or from a book.  A teacher in China and I are working on a program for young Chinese students who would really enjoy practicing their English with a peer ~ someone their age!

The advantage for the Chinese student is readily apparent, i.e., to improve their English in a fun and practical way.  The advantage for the American student may not be so readily apparent; however, the advantages are real.  As Americans and as Christians, we can share what we know ~ English ~ and share what we have been given ~ the love of Christ.  At the same time, learning more about another culture broadens our knowledge of the world.

Peer Tutors as 21st century “pen pal” can help a friend in China practice their English by sharing what they are doing, where they live, what they enjoy in short, simple sentences. (See a list of general topic ideas below.)  Options for communicating involve technology, but it is secure and it is 1:1 ~ not like social media at all.  I can show you the details, but first I wanted to share the idea and how it will work.

If you would like to be a Peer Tutor, please contact me by phone or text message.  Karen King  405-321-2122

FAQ

Q:  What is the best age for Peer Tutors?  
A:   Students will be 12 years and older.  The age of the Peer Tutor, in general, will be the same age, but it depends on maturity.

Q:  How often should they communicate?  How will they communicate?

We Chat app

We Chat

A.   Our expectation is that they will communicate at least once or twice a week.  The best way to communicate with students in China will be using We Chat, a popular app in China that looks like this on your phone:

Q.  How long is their commitment to be a Peer Tutor?  
A.  We ask that you commit for about twelve weeks, then you can re-evaluate if you wish to continue to be a Peer Tutor.

Q.  What should they talk about?  
A.  Here is some ideas:

For twelve weeks, we ask that you communicate at least once or twice per week with your peer student.  Use short, simple sentences that will be easy for them to understand. Ask them a question so that they can send you a reply. Here is a list of topics that you could talk about:

  • Week 1:  Favorites…what’s your favorite ____________?
  • Week 2:  School….describe it…what time does school start? How many kids in your classes?
  • Week 3:  Names ~ What does your name mean?  If you could change your name, what would it be?  Do you have or want an English name?
    If you are using We Chat, this is a good opportunity to send an audio recording of how to pronounce each other’s names.
  • Week 4:  Birthdays!  What do you usually do to celebrate your birthday? This might be a great time to use the We Chat voice message feature to teach them the “Happy Birthday” song.
  • Week 5:  Holidays ~ What is your favorite holiday?  Why do you love that holiday?
  • Week 6:  Describe what you see when you look outside your house.
  • Week 7:  If you went to another planet, what would you take with you?
  • Week 8:  Favorite foods ~ favorite places to eat.
  • Week 9:  If you could go back in time, when would you like to live?
  • Week 10:  If you could have one super power, what would it be?
  • Week 11:  Words that might be difficult to say ~ Water is wet.  Violets are very pretty.
    This might be a great time to use the We Chat voice message feature.
  • Week 12: Travel ~ places you have visited or where you would like to visit.