Helper Node Series | Imma Valls: Teaching Kids to Read at LECXIT
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Elastic believes in giving back, both by supporting the communities in which we live and work, and recognizing that participating in these activities can inspire and enrich our lives in unexpected ways. That’s why we offer our Elasticians volunteer time off (VTO) to foster a culture of caring.
The Helper Node blog series shines a light on the inspiring ways our Elasticians use their volunteer hours to help their community and the world at large. In this edition of the Helper Node series we meet Imma Valls, who volunteers her time helping kids learn the joy of reading.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, what do you do at Elastic?
Imma Valls: My name is Imma Valls and I’m an engineering consultant at Elastic. I’m based out of Barcelona and have been at Elastic for 9 months.
Imma Valls
How do you use your VTO?
Imma: There is a program in my region in Spain (Catalonia) called LECXIT that mentors kids between ages eight and twelve who have difficulties reading. Schools and libraries throughout the region participate in this program and organize it on their premises.
I have been volunteering with LECXIT for a couple of years at a local library, not far from where I live. They assign me a kid every school year, and I do weekly one-hour sessions with them. Usually from October to June. This is my third year with the program.
Tell me about how you became involved with this organization?
Imma: Well, I was looking to volunteer in general. One of my best friends, David, is involved in a myriad of causes and I asked him to forward me anything I might find of interest. When he sent me the LECXIT opportunity, I instantly knew this was it. I’ve always loved reading. I even think it saved my life as a kid, being able to fly anywhere with a book. So I knew I would love teaching kids the same joy.
How did you prepare for being a tutor?
Imma: In the beginning, I didn’t know whether I would be an effective reading mentor. I’d never tutored before, and I was a little worried. Thankfully, LECXIT gave us a few hours training before I was allowed to begin with a pupil. Regardless of my doubts, the kids always make it so easy. LECXIT attracts kids that are super cool and willing to collaborate, even if they might not love reading. And when they arrive on time each session, or when they smile at you or ask you if you are coming back next Friday, it feels like a gift.
How do you come up with your lessons?
Imma: During the week I try to think of what to do during the session. That could be building a Lego robot that helps teach reading through a set of instructions, or coding a game with Scratch. Or, I will prepare reading or writing materials. I look for resources and ideas everywhere I can. One of my favorites activities I do with the kids is using a set of instructions they have to read to make an origami jumping frog or chattering teeth.
https://www.elastic.co/blog/helper-node-series-imma-valls-teaching-kids-to-read-at-lecxit
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