English Tutoring at the ShenZhen Library

On my first day, I was admittedly nervous about the tutoring dynamic. However, 9-year-old Lin’s bright smile and eagerness to learn quickly put me at ease. As I learned his interests and English level, I crafted personalized lessons drawing from the library’s resources.Our study nook became a vibrant space filled with the sounds of Lin’s laughter as we acted out dialogues from his favorite books. Using the library’s wide range of children’s literature, I created engaging reading comprehension activities that brought the stories to life. Slowly but surely, I witnessed Lin’s confidence in speaking grow.As word spread about my tutoring, other students began to join our sessions. Suddenly, our little study room became a lively English classroom. I had to get creative, incorporating group games and activities to cater to each student’s needs and learning styles.One of my favorite tools was the library’s impressive collection of educational DVDs and audiobooks. We practiced listening comprehension through animated stories, repeating phrases and identifying new vocabulary. Seeing their eyes light up with understanding was incredibly gratifying.What I loved most was the personal connections I formed with each student. Our library classroom cultivated a warm, judgment-free zone where they felt safe to make mistakes. I celebrated their successes with high fives and stickers, constantly encouraging them to keep trying.Looking back, those library tutoring sessions were the highlight of my week. In that cozy, book-filled space, I discovered my passion for teaching. Witnessing my students’ amazing progress, no matter how small, filled me with immense pride and fulfillment.While I may have been the tutor, my students were truly the ones who inspired and taught me invaluable lessons about patience, creativity and the life-changing power of education. The library became so much more than a place of knowledge – it was a nurturing classroom where lives were enriched.