La Grange second-graders learned that holiday giving is a two-way street during an all-school day of volunteering.
The St. Francis Xavier School students toured the Congregation of St. Joseph’s School on Wheels Dec. 5 for an inside look at the literacy program, based in LaGrange Park.
Second-graders and a handful of eighth-graders hopped aboard the school bus converted into a classroom with compact tables and benches lining each wall for one-on-one tutoring sessions.
Students prepared for the day by collecting 450 gently used books for beginning readers. The children took turns making as many Christmas cards and ornaments. The holiday touches will be presented with the books to adults learning to speak, read and write English at seven sites in the western suburbs.
Although the students wouldn’t have a chance to see the adults’ smiles later in December, the children got something in return. They experienced a little of what it’s like to struggle with a new language, gaining empathy and understanding.
Kathy Haas, associate director of the literacy program, shared one of the exercises she uses to prepare volunteer tutors, who assist adults of various language backgrounds.
Haas taught the young visitors six words in Pashto, spoken in parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. She passed out objects corresponding to the new words.
“Saiwan,” Haas said, looking for students to hold up an umbrella. She then displayed written versions of each word, which resemble Arabic, and asked students to match the word with the object.
When no one could, Haas matched the words and explained her secret. “They are color coded on the back. That’s how we work with our students, too.”
Haas also told students the bus is no longer used as a mobile classroom for tutoring. Instead, volunteers meet adults at seven sites, such as churches. Operating the bus is too expensive, she said.
The children brainstormed how they might break a language barrier and make newcomers feel welcome by smiling, sharing a meal or being a friend on the playground.
Second-graders weren’t the only ones who ventured out for the school’s fifth annual day of service. The effort is based on the example set by the school’s namesake, a Jesuit missionary who traveled to Asia.
Each grade level adopts a particular field of study, tied to their curriculum, and related services projects for the year. Students learn more about ways to alleviate poverty and hunger, or how to help senior citizens, veterans or adults with special needs.
First-graders sang, played bingo and enjoyed cookies with residents of Bethlehem Woods retirement center in La Grange Park. Third-graders brought coats, hats, mittens and scarves to the Marillac House in Chicago.
Fourth- seventh- and eighth-graders packed meals or sorted food for the hungry. Fifth-graders assisted veterans, and sixth-graders hosted a bowling party for adults with special needs.
Preschoolers and kindergarten students made eco-friendly ornaments and decorated Christmas trees.
Students regrouped at the end of the day to see a slide show of their activities captured and compiled by parent photographers.
“Each year, the program teaches the kids a lot, and they get it,” said Karen Trayser, who coordinated the second-grade program. “Even the 4-year-olds understand what it means to be of service.”