One small step followed by another

With each new session, I can see my student's potential just out of reach.  I know he is able to do well, comprehend the stories, and answer the questions but there is just that little problem of a language barrier.  But slowly and surely, I can see gains to use as footholds upward over this mountain.


"Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain" (Author unknown, http://www.quotegarden.com/perseverance.html).


Today's time with him was a productive one.  He wrote more than he ever has for me.  The 3-sentence summary, which turned into a nine-sentence summary gave him some needed structure and focus.  He was able to provide more detail in each section (Beginning, Middle, End) without getting overwhelmed with having to retell the whole story.  I think this is going to be the key to helping him do better in school: take it one part at a time.  It's also a lesson for me to focus on each session and not get bogged down with all the rest of what we'll have to do (in this class, our others, at work, and at home--whew!).  Here's to us all staying sane, calm, and collected until May!

taken from http://www.meetbethallen.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/persevere-300x253.jpg