When Michelle Cash, Grace’s Pediatric APRN, learned one of her pediatric patients, Melani, needed help with her reading, she knew just who to call. As a retired educator with more than 29 years of experience and a love for early education, Gayle Bosscher was the perfect person. Michelle approached Gayle to see if she would be willing to help. Gayle has been tutoring Melani in reading ever since.
Melani’s family moved to Orange County from Guatemala. “It is really a ‘language thing’ not a ‘reading thing,’ explained Gayle. “Melani is an excellent Spanish reader, but she struggles to read in English. A dual language class is great for some children, but not for someone who needs in-depth English.”
Gayle continued, “Experiential English isn’t something you can teach. Reading isn’t just the sounds, but also understanding the meaning of the words. Melani is not a little girl who needs to fail; she is just a little girl who hasn’t been taught the basics. She is a bright, happy little girl. I enjoy being with her. She is so sweet to work with.”
Gayle even rearranged her schedule to stay after her scheduled volunteer shift to tutor Melani weekly. “This is an easy need to fulfill, said Gayle. “I can’t pay their utility bills, but I can speak and read English with a heart and willingness to do it!”
Melani’s mother, Mayli, is committed to providing a solid education for her daughter. She is willing to do what she can to help her succeed including making the weekly drive to Grace from Apopka for the hour-long tutoring session. Mayli shared that Melani gets really happy knowing she is going to Grace to see Ms. Gayle. Emphatically announcing weekly, “Today I have my tutoring. Yes!”
When asked if she likes the time spent with Ms. Gayle, Melani shyly replied, “It’s fun. I like learning.”
“We have seen a big, big improvement (in Melani’s reading skills,)” said Mayli. “She is happier and it gives her confidence to speak the language.”
Her mother encourages her to be brave, to be proud of being in this country and of speaking two languages. “There are so many opportunities,” Mayli shared. “We are blessed to have Grace.”
