Indianapolis Oasis https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org Lifelong Adventure Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:10:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Introduction to Genealogy and Family History and the Indiana State Library https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/introduction-to-genealogy-and-family-history-and-the-indiana-state-library/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/introduction-to-genealogy-and-family-history-and-the-indiana-state-library/#respond Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:08:12 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=1062

Dig a little deeper into your past!

Learn how to begin your genealogy and family history search from the Indiana State Library. Free resources will be shared.

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Manage the Menace! https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/manage-the-menace/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/manage-the-menace/#respond Mon, 23 Nov 2020 19:50:16 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=1057

Holiday Stress

No matter how much we look forward to the holidays (or not!), most of us have encountered the increased stress that tends to accompany them from year to year – BUT NOW (thanks to COVID-19), stress levels are already at an all-time high. We will discuss the difference between good and bad stress, learn some tips to effective manage the stress that hurts us.

Click on the video play button to watch!

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Is Your Heart in a Flutter? https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/is-your-heart-in-a-flutter/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/is-your-heart-in-a-flutter/#respond Wed, 12 Aug 2020 14:12:55 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=1023

This is NOT your Hallmark Romance Movie!
Click and learn more about A-Fib & Stroke Risk

Dr. Eric Prystowsky, practicing cardiologist with St. Vincent Medical Group and Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, St. Vincent Hospital of Indianapolis presents:

 Is Your Heart in a Flutter?

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How Do I live Beyond My Walls During COVID-19 Pandemic https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/how-do-i-live-beyond-my-walls-during-covid-19-pandemic/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/how-do-i-live-beyond-my-walls-during-covid-19-pandemic/#respond Tue, 02 Jun 2020 19:10:18 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=946

Dr. Michael Busk of the St. Vincent Health, Wellness and Preventive Care Institute shares information about COVID-19 and answers questions.

We want to hear from you

How are you dealing with social distancing and ensuring you remain physically and mentally active? Did you learn anything about COVID-19 from the video session with Dr. Michael Busk? Share your thoughts and comments below!

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Introducing Oasis Everywhere https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/introducing-oasis-everywhere/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/introducing-oasis-everywhere/#respond Fri, 29 May 2020 14:25:16 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=1025
Oasis Everywhere

Online classes led by top instructors presented by local Oasis centers from across the nation – Oasis Everywhere.

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Friday Check-In May 29, 2020 https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-29-2020/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-29-2020/#respond Thu, 28 May 2020 18:58:13 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=936

Welcome to Friday Check-In!

Literacy Lesson – Write Together

Writing with your student is one of the six components of the Oasis session plan supporting reading achievement.  As you write with your student you encourage the expression of ideas, promote organization of those ideas and develop language structure.  Each week as you work with your student, you have filled their journal with stories about the books you have read together and stories of their own creation.

Would your student like to read his/her stories on the web?

Oasis tutor Kaye McSpadden created a website so her student could access his original stories from his journal) at home. Check out the website at: http://www.wtmystories.weebly.com. Kaye is happy to add stories by other students. Would you be interested in having your student’s stories added? We will only use the student’s first name (and possibly the tutor’s first name, TBD) — no personal info. If you are interested, just type the text of the story (or scan it) and send to Kaye at wtmystories@gmail.com. If the student made an illustration, scan it in and send that, too. After your student’s stories are uploaded, you can let the parent or classroom teacher know. Questions? Contact Kaye at wtmystories@gmail.com.

Here is a story and illustration from the website:

This is a true story. Every Tuesday, Miss Kaye went to Corey’s school. Miss Kaye and Corey read books together. They read Kecko the Gecko and many other books. Corey learned new words. He and Miss Kaye played games with word cards. They played Go Fish and Bingo. Corey made up stories and Miss Kaye wrote them down. Corey drew pictures for the stories. One of the stories was The Pirates. Then, school was closed because of the virus. Miss Kaye says to Corey, “I miss our Tuesdays together! I hope you have a happy summer and keep reading!”

Miss Kaye

Summer Reading:  Biographies for Kids

Here are some wonderful stories about individuals who made significant differences in their lives and their impact on millions of others! These inspirational life stories help children understand how to overcome obstacles and follow their dreams for success. Please read these selections for your own pleasure and then share with your grandchildren and future students.

Mae Jemison
by Jodie Shepherd

It Begins With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew His Way
by Kya Maclear

Dancing Hands How Teresa Carreno Played Piano for President Lincoln
by Margarita Engle

Carter Reads His Newspaper
by Deborah Hopkins story of Dr. Carter Woodson

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist
by Julie Leung Disney artist

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiang Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom
by Teresa Roberson

Celebration

Summer Sensation

Enjoy the next couple of months of sunshine and warmer weather. As we search for new ways to stay safe, we can relax by walking, gardening, or reading. We can even stay social with other Oasis members by taking one of our Zoom classes. During this time period, we will wait to find out the guidelines and schedule for the 2020/2021 school year. As soon as we receive any information, Oasis and the district coordinators will share the plans. We will be pausing the Friday Check-ins during our summer respite, but we will keep you informed in our Indy Oasis e-blasts that are posted each weekend.

Please look for the globe and children reading graphic (as seen here) to keep you updated in the summer Oasis e-blast!

Oasis Tutoring asks all Tutors, Teachers, Principals/Building Liaisons and District Facilitators to participate in the annual Oasis tutoring survey. It is important as it provides Oasis feedback for improvement of the program and measurable data to report to funders. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share this year’s tutoring experiences prior to the Covid-19 break.

Helpful tips for taking the survey:

  1. Taking the survey on a laptop or desktop computer is recommended instead of a mobile device or tablet.
  2. After clicking on the link provided, click on the role you serve in the program (“Tutor”).
  3. You may receive other requests or reminders to take the survey, please only take it once.

Thank you for taking the time to complete your survey.  If you have yet to fill yours out, please do so by June 12th.

Tutoring Survey Button

Tutors have a positive impact!

The stories received from school districts in the area are inspiring and demonstrate the positive impact tutors have on students.  Here are few comments received from administrators:

Girl smiling as she reads a book

“Your tutors were extremely responsive to the needs of students. They were open to feedback from teachers about what areas the students were struggling with and how they could best assist them. “

“2nd-graders were able to develop confidence in reading aloud and enjoyed the relationship built with the Oasis tutor. “

“In every single interaction I saw between student and tutor, literacy was the main and central focus. Students were engaged in all parts of literacy and tutors encouraged and fostered that love for reading.”

Boy with brown hair and glasses

“Our students just love working with their tutors!”

“Our tutors have provided individual students with purposeful strategies and resources that have helped them to become stronger readers. Along with the strategies, the tutors also shared a sense of hope and compassion for our students that has aided them to become more confident, not only in their reading ability, but also in the academic abilities.”

“A parent of a student that had an Oasis tutor last school year ran into the tutor while out shopping. The parent shared how beneficial the tutor was to her daughter last school year and how she would love for her to tutor her again. Although the tutor was already working with another student this school year, the tutor followed up with our district coordinator and me offering to support her former student in addition to her new student. This is a testament to the positive impact tutors make and to the dedication tutors give to students.

Happy Children

“An overall story is the joyful viewing of our Oasis tutors walking down the hall with our friends. As a teacher, we try to have natural conversations which include lessons, vocabulary, questions and so on. It is amazing to watch our tutors do the same as they are walking in the hall. They are all naturals!”

“What I love most about our tutors is how each of them has a different story for what made them want to become a tutor. For some they are retired teachers, others have worked with kids at other points in their lives, and some have never done anything like this before. No matter the way they get to our school each of them always shares with me how much they truly enjoy working with our students and how much they get out of the experience. I love that this program provides an opportunity for our students to benefit from 1:1 time and attention to work on skills and build a relationship with their tutor, but that is also allows our tutors to benefit from this weekly interaction.”

Thank you

So, on behalf of Oasis Tutoring, I want to thank all my fabulous district coordinators and tutors who shine a bright light on the program and make such a significant difference in the lives of students. Have a marvelous summer!

Tutor Tuesday

Summer is here!  In this edition of Tutor Tuesday we share links to relaxing music and recipes for healthy smoothies to enjoy on a hot summer day!

Today’s Tutor Tuesday literacy lesson is developing vocabulary and offers ways to work with your student(s) to bring them up to grade level.  We have included videos and resources for you to view on this important topic in literacy.

click to read
We want to hear from you

We want to hear from you!

What are your plans for this summer? What are you looking forward to? What books are you planning to read this summer?

Tell us all about it in the comments section below!

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Friday Check-In May 22, 2020 https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-22-2020/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-22-2020/#respond Thu, 21 May 2020 23:08:25 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=925

Remember and Honor

American Flags

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives to make our freedom and democracy possible! These courageous service people fought for our rights, giving Americans a life of liberty and justice. Each year families gather to honor their fathers, sons, mothers or daughters who lost their lives to preserve our country. Some of us decorate their grave sites with flags and flowers to recognize their ultimate contributions. I think that this year we should also remember and honor all the first responders who lost their lives during this battle against the Covid-19 virus to keep us safe.  In addition, many veterans who bravely served our country unfortunately lost their lives during this pandemic.  This holiday takes on a special meaning for us to commemorate all who help keep us well and safe!

Normally, on Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis we commence summer with annual rituals of opening the pools, reuniting with family members for backyard barbecues and “starting our engines!” This year we will be celebrating in the many different ways we are most comfortable under the guidance of keeping us safe!  Although, the 500-mile race is postponed until August, there are still several socially- acceptable distancing activities we can do this weekend. Please take time to relax and spend time with your family this holiday weekend!

Memorial Day

Stars American FlagBook Suggestions

There are some excellent children books that inform and explain Memorial Day. Reading these books is a great way to teach our students about the meaning of this holiday!

The Wall

by Eve Bunting

Rolling Thunder

by Kate Messner

The Poppy Lady

by Barbara Elizabeth Walsh

Balloons

Tribute to All Our New 2019/2020 Tutors

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring would like to recognize all the first-year volunteers who made a difference in the lives of students this year! Seventy new tutors joined us this year! We thank you for becoming a part of our tutoring program and we are grateful for your flexibility during this most unusual finish to the school year! Please read some comments by teachers about our contribution and impact on their students.

A teacher from Pike wrote, “Huge shout out to my tutor. She started with two of my kiddos in the beginning of the year, but they both moved away within two weeks. My tutor was so flexible and happily worked with two different students without missing a beat, and continued to build amazing relationships with her two new kiddos that was assigned.”

American Boy“My student was always so excited when he realized it was the day, he got to meet his Oasis tutor. She really helped him to be a risk taker and to have confidence with his reading and writing,” said a Washington Township teacher.

Another educator stated, “I have three students going with two different Oasis tutors this year. The children are so excited to see them and go with them every week. I have seen a lot of growth academically and behaviorally with the students. They are students who really needed that extra one-on-one time!”

Although, we are sad to see this school year end, we take comfort in knowing that our tutoring program makes a significant difference in the success of our students

District Coordinator Spotlight – Erin Mohr

Erin MohrThis week we are proud to introduce our newest coordinator from Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Erin Mohr is the High Ability Coordinator for the district, as well as the Oasis facilitator!  Below are her comments.

“Did you know that no matter who is in the classroom or what they are doing, year after year kids react the same way to the first snowflakes?  They dash to the window.  They climb over one another to get a good view.  They cheer and smile.  They talk about how soon they can make a snowman.  Every. Single. Year.

The first day that snow falls is the reason I became a teacher.  When I was a freshman at Indiana University, I was walking out of the business school (my original major) one day and noticed the first snow of the year.  I looked around for my excitement to be reflected in the reactions of others…and it wasn’t there.  I decided then and there that I was not among “my people” and decided to spend my life among children by becoming a teacher!  It was truly one of those small moments in life that changed everything for me.  I am grateful that each winter offers me the chance to remember why I do what I do.  I imagine that this special feeling of spending time with children is what brings many of our Oasis tutors to this work!

I began my teaching career at the age of 21 and taught for 15 years at Fishers Elementary in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.  Afterwards, I became an instructional coach, supporting teachers to provide authentic, meaningful learning experiences.  I now serve as High Ability Coordinator for HSE Schools and also have the opportunity to work with our Oasis tutors and talk about great books and a mutual joy of sharing the love of reading with children!  My favorite books include Harry Potter for older kids and Elephant and Piggie for the younger ones!

I have been married to my husband Hank for 16 years, and we have three active little girls!  Julianne is 11, Kayleigh is 9, and Charlie is 6.  During this time at home, Hank and I have both been very busy with our jobs and supporting virtual learning with all three of our kids.  We also added a new puppy to the mix!  We now have two golden retrievers; Scarlett and Griswold.  As a family, we love water – boating, beach vacations, and we just put in a swimming pool last year!  I love golf, reading, and being around kids!”

Tutor Survey

Oasis Tutoring asks all Tutors, Teachers, Principals/Building Liaisons and District Facilitators to participate in the annual Oasis tutoring survey. It is important as it provides Oasis feedback for improvement of the program and measurable data to report to funders. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share this year’s tutoring experiences prior to the Covid-19 break.

Helpful tips for taking the survey:

  1. Taking the survey on a laptop or desktop computer is recommended instead of a mobile device or tablet.
  2. After clicking on the link provided, click on the role you serve in the program (“Tutor”).
  3. You may receive other requests or reminders to take the survey, please only take it once.
Tutoring Survey Button

Tutor Tuesday

click to readThe Tutor Tuesday blog has a literacy lesson focused on reading to the child.  From the very start, children perceive themselves as readers.  It is our goal as Oasis tutors, to provide models to encourage their early eagerness.  When we read to them, they hear new vocabulary, add new concepts to their memories, understand sentence structure and gather information about life experiences.

Three Oasis Tutors from New York City share their favorite books via video.  Also there is an opportunity to get to know Kyra Giles, Coordinator of the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program in partnership with Union Settlement in New York City in the Facilitator Shout Out.

We want to hear from youWe want to hear from you!

Your comments are important to us so please respond in the “Leave a Reply” section at the end of the blog or by email.

Enjoy the summer!

Oasis Tutoring

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Friday Check-In May 15, 2020 https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-15-2020/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-15-2020/#respond Thu, 14 May 2020 22:39:51 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=916

Dear Oasis Tutor,

Thank You Clipart Dog

You came to my classroom
with a smile and friendship.
We formed a yearlong bond
Built on stories, trust and caring.

You opened my eyes and brain.
Read me words, books, and poems.
We wrote in my student journal
Filled with thoughts and drawings.

You listened to my jokes and troubles.
Spoke proudly words of praise.
We played games and solved puzzles
Searched for new vocabulary!

You filled our time together
With magic and love of reading.
We bid our fond farewell
Thanking each other ‘til next time we meet!

Love,
Your Student

A Note of Thanks!

One of our greatest tasks as parents and grandparents is to help our children learn to demonstrate gratitude. If you are like me, I tried to teach my children to write thank you notes for gifts that they received for birthdays and holidays. Sometimes it was a struggle, but I knew the social importance of a note of appreciation. However, in this time of digital communication, our children are sending e-mails, text messages and other forms of social media. It is the sign of the times, and I am grateful that they are sending notes of thanks! Any act of recognition is always welcomed!

Thank You Tutors

Books

In my search for books that helped children understand the expression of gratitude, I discovered several that I would like to share with you!

A Letter to My Teacher by Deborah Hopkinson

The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Pass It On by Sophy Hern

Katie Can Change the World(a personalized children book) by Jennifer Dewing

Thank you for making a difference

As the school year closes, many of us realize that we have not had the opportunity to thank all the people who helped us with our tutoring. The school secretary, liaison, school counselor, assistant principal, or principal assist us in communicating with families about permission slips, placement in the building and many other facets of the behind the scenes Oasis tutoring program.  If one of these staff members helped you, perhaps a quick e-mail would be deeply appreciated by them, too.

Oasis Tutoring wants to thank you for all you are doing every day. Each one of you have walked along side me down the beach and helped rescue starfish!* You have made a significant difference in the life of a child this year! I couldn’t be prouder of the commitment and dedication that you have shown in this most unusual year. I have heard your stories of concern and worry about our kids, and I know that the best thing that we can do is to stay well and be patient!  Soon I plan on sharing information with you on our plans for next school year, and how we can reconnect with our students from this year!!

Celebration

Oasis Intergenerational Tutors Change the World for Their Kids!!

This month we are celebrating the tutors who have devoted the gift of time to make the world a better place for so many students. Each year we honor our tutors by years of service.  Although we have postponed our district celebrations until a later date, we are proud to announce 25 incredible Oasis Intergenerational tutors who are Oasis ambassadors for making a difference in the lives of their students!

Celebration

5 Years

  • Peggy Wadsworth –Pike Township
  • Meredith Mason-Lawrence Township
  • Shelia Millileen-Lawrence Township
  • Susan Dunlap-Hamilton Southeastern
  • Maxine Garrett-Washington Township
  • Neal Shoger-Washington Township
  • Raymond Waldman- Washington Township
  • Candi Gauer-Warren Township
  • Linda Hicks-Warren Township

10 Years

  • Cathy Burns-Pike Township
  • Bobbi Collins-Pike Township
  • Jilland Tunstall-Pike Township
  • Carole Kindred-Brownsburg
  • Doris Karr-Washington Township
  • Melba Schulte-Washington Township
  • Dodie Crouch-Warren Township
  • Diane Heindel-Warren Township

15 Years

  • Sue Childers-Pike Township
  • Winsome Davis-Pike
  • Diane Kasten-Pike
  • Joan Miller-Pike
  • Harry Stone-Pike
  • Mary McDonald-Pike
  • Alex Gray-Lawrence Township

30 Year

  • Shirley Jones-Lawrence Township

Shirley Jones

A Tribute to Shirley Jones

And on behalf of Indianapolis Oasis we are proud to spotlight Shirley Jones, our loyal and passionate tutor from Lawrence Township, who decided thirty years ago that she wanted to help children. During the three decades of service Shirley has been a role model and mentor not only for her students, but for countless tutors. Her wisdom and wit have provided insight on the needs of the students and how to reach them with understanding and compassion. Shirley is a true lifelong learner because she signs up for as many workshops and Oasis classes as she can so she can learn new ideas and strategies to help her pupils.

It is with our deepest gratitude that we say thank you to Shirley Jones!

Spotlight on Co-coordinators from Greenwood

kathy rice and jilie scudder

From left to right: Kathy Rice and Julie Scudder

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

Three years ago Kathy Rice and Julie Scudder retired from teaching and took a detour in their retirement plans. They decided to co-coordinate the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring program in Greenwood. And we are thrilled that they did! Their years of friendship and teaching next door to one another has brought great insight and knowledge of instructing young children to read into our monthly Oasis support meetings. We always look forward to hearing what their tips and strategies are in order to improve our tutoring sessions. But what we look forward to the most is seeing the large collection of their own books that they generously share with us each month on seasonal topics and holidays. More than thirty years of ordering books from Scholastic Books for their listening centers have become a bounty and treasure for us!! Please read their personal stories below.

Kathy Rice, Greenwood Co-Coordinator

After teaching in the same school for 39 years I retired 3 years ago from Greenwood Community Schools.  I began my career in the library, and after 3 years, switched to teaching kindergarten where I stayed. I loved being with 5-6 year olds every day and reading aloud to them. Story time was one of my favorite times of the day. I hope I instilled the love of reading and books to my students.  I had always enjoyed having Oasis tutors come to my classroom and saw the positive impact they had on my students. I was so excited when my good friend, Julie (and next-door neighbor at school), asked me to partner with her to be an Oasis coordinator. Through Oasis, I can share my experiences from the classroom and hopefully guide the tutors to using books in many different ways.  I have been so impressed with our tutors and their dedication to their students.

Books have always been a favorite ‘escape’ throughout my life.  Now that I’m retired, I frequently get lost in a good book.  Some of my favorite authors are Emily Giffin, JoJo Moyes, Beatriz Williams, Liza Scottoline, and Elin Hilderbrand.  I particularly enjoyed Little Fires Everywhere, The Light We Lost, The Gown, and The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. Books my kindergartners loved are The Kissing Hand; Yes Day!; Yo! Yes?; Tops and Bottoms; Duck on a Bike; Go Away, Big Green Monster! and The Napping House.

I have been married to my husband Dan for 38 years. Before retiring, he was a band director with the Greenwood Marching Woodmen.  Together we have 2 sons – one is a physical therapist at Vanderbilt Rehab Ctr. in Nashville, TN and the other son is married, lives in Zionsville, has a 2- year old son and has a son on the way!  Being a Grandma is the greatest!

During this ‘stay at home time’ I have cleaned out closets and drawers, done lots of walking in the neighborhood, watched way too much TV, read several books, cooked more than I have in years and yearned to see family and friends.  When it is safe, I hope to continue to travel and explore this beautiful world. Oasis Tutoring is richer because of the experience and dedication of these two jewels!

Julie Scudder, Greenwood Coordinator

I spent 33 years teaching primary grades. All but four of those years, were spent in 1st grade.  I absolutely loved seeing their growth from beginning of school to year end.  My goals for them stayed true.  I wanted them to enjoy coming to school, and have a love of books and reading. I felt strongly that if you don’t enjoy coming to school when you are 6… it is going to be a long haul until your senior year! I tried to make it as fun as possible. Having Oasis tutors come to meet with some of my students was an added bonus, so when I retired and was asked to oversee the Oasis Program in Greenwood, it was a delight. The best part is ~ I get to share the job with Kathy.  She and I taught next door to each other for over 30 years and have common goals. We know, from a personal connection, what a positive impact an Oasis tutor can have on a student.

In addition to being a co-Oasis tutor for Greenwood, I have a couple other part time endeavors.  I am a personal grocery shopper for a company called Shipt. I shop and deliver groceries to customers a few days a week. Oasis tutors often say they get more out of tutoring than their students do that is how I feel about Shiptshopping.  I love being able to help people who need this service.  I also have my own handwriting business. It is nothing big and elaborate, but it is a fun hobby of mine to hand address wedding invitations, make banners and signs.

Spending time with my family is so important.  I have two grown children. Maura lives in Plymouth, Indiana with her husband and foster son, Oliver.  In addition to being a social worker for a group of doctors, Maura and her husband, Ryan own several gyms.  It has been a light in my life to be called “Nina” and spend time with their soon to be 3-year old. My son, Kevin, lives in Florida.  I am lucky enough to get to spend part of my winters there.  Sunshine, warm temperatures, and being outside are favorites of mine!

In my free time, I enjoy walking with Kathy.  We try to walk around 15 miles a week.  I also have a great group of friends in my neighborhood.  We spend a lot of weekend time together playing cards, cooking out, swimming etc. I also belong to a book club and certainly enjoy reading.  Here are a few of my favorite books:

Children’s Books ~ Charlotte’s Web, Strega Nona, and Miss Tizzy

Adult Books ~ Have a Little Faith by Mitch Album, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay, and most anything by Elin Hildebrand because I love books that take place close to the ocean!

Funny fact: I still read aloud to my two sisters (ages 55 and 52) every summer when we take a beach trip together,

National Oasis Tutoring Survey

Tutoring Survey ButtonOasis Tutoring asks all Tutors, Teachers, Principals/Building Liaisons and District Facilitators to participate in the annual Oasis tutoring survey. It is important as it provides Oasis feedback for improvement of the program and measurable data to report to funders. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share this year’s tutoring experiences prior to the Covid-19 break.

Helpful tips for taking the survey:

  1. Taking the survey on a laptop or desktop computer is recommended instead of a mobile device or tablet.
  2. After clicking on the link provided, click on the role you serve in the program (“Tutor”).
  3. You may receive other requests or reminders to take the survey, please only take it once.

Tutor Tuesday

click to readThis week’s literacy lesson is provided by an Oasis tutor! Ellen Boone, shares a rhyming lesson she created for her student after reading a previous lesson in a Tutor Tuesday blog on phonemic awareness.

Oasis has a long tradition of sharing an inspiring story at this time of the year. We celebrate a tutor that has reached a significant milestone of volunteer service and share her thoughts. The Oasis Coordinator from her city is also featured in the Facilitator Shout Out section.

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Friday Check-In May 8 https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-8/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/friday-check-in-may-8/#respond Fri, 08 May 2020 15:50:58 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=898

Happy National Teacher Appreciation Week!

Tribute to Teachers

Teacher Appreciation Week

Oasis Tutoring is grateful to all the teachers who allow Oasis Tutors to come into their classrooms and partner with them in literacy lessons with their students! We feel very fortunate to be part of the academic team encouraging students to develop a love for reading! During this pandemic, we also celebrate parents who have participated in bigger roles in helping their children with their instruction. Teachers always knew it was a team effort, but this spring proved the vital part parents play in student achievement! If you have a moment, send your student’s teacher a quick thank you e-mail! As a former teacher, I always appreciated receiving a note of gratitude.

Please take a moment to read this poem by an anonymous author who expresses our appreciation to teachers and the important contribution that parents make each day!

Unity

I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a child’s mind.
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher: the “tool” he used
Were books and music and art.
One a parent with a guiding hand.
And gentle, loving heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled.
With a touch that was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by his side
and polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last their task was done.
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they had molded into a child
Could neither be sold or bought.
And each agreed he would have failed
If he had worked alone.
Behind the parent stood the school.
And behind the teacher-the home.

Author Unknown

Literacy Learning – Comprehension

Boy with magnifying GlassSome More Literacy Tips for Helping Students!  How Do I Know the Kids Are Comprehending?

Comprehension is a key factor for students’ performance in their reading competency. Some children have the ability to read at and above grade-level texts, but then are unable to explain or answer questions about the story. So, what can we do to help?

One strategy that is beneficial is the QAR which stands for Question-Answer Relationships. QAR is a reading strategy developed to identify how students approach the tasks of reading texts and answering questions. Students become engaged in finding the information in their reading. Students find answers in two different ways which are defined as “In the Text” or “In My Head.”

There are four types of question-answer relationships: Right There, Think and Search, Author and Me and On My Own. Students look for evidence in the text to support their answers in the first three types of QAR, and use prior knowledge and analysis in the latter one.

Here are questions that you can ask the student to help them understand the text.

In the Text

Boy asking questionsRight There
The answer is found in the text in one sentence.

Questions stems:
Who is…?
Where is…?
What is…?
When is…?
How many…?

Think and Search
The answer is found in more than one place in the story/text.

Question stems:
For what reason…?
Why was…?
What caused…?
How did…?

In My Head

Spyglass

Author and Me
The answer comes from both clues in the text and student’s prior knowledge.These questions are higher level and require inferential thinking.

Question Stems:
Would you…?
Which character…?
Did you agree with…?
What did you think of…?

On My Own
The answer comes primarily from student’s prior knowledge. These questions require evaluative thinking.

Question Stems:
Have you ever…?
Do you know…?
Would you ever…?

Part of the Oasis Tutoring training emphasizes the importance of asking open-ended questions as we converse with our students. The QAR technique utilizes all open-ended questioning stems. As the students answer questions and show evidence from the text, they are learning the skills to become better readers. It is no longer a mystery because they discover the answers are “right there”.

Therefore, preparation before your tutoring session will help you achieve the best results. Read your text, and write key questions for each type of QAR. Then after you and your student have read the story, pull out the questions and together go back to the material to answer the questions.

Finally, the last tip is to keep it simple. Write down only one or two questions for each of the four types. If the pupil is struggling to find the answer, model how to go back and find the page by skimming and rereading.  Demonstrate how to be a “Text Detective” to track down the answers! And remember, the “In the Text” are questions have correct answers with text-supported evidence and the “In My Head” do not have right/wrong answers. These are more opinion and evaluative responses based on students’ prior knowledge and analysis. Comprehension is to reading as water is to living. It is a vital to succeed!

Shout to Indianapolis Coordinator, Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald

Mary McDonald maintaining quarantine in Andorra.

The Pike Township Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program has been privileged to have the strong leadership of Mary McDonald. Her relationships with her tutors, teachers and administrators form one of most outstanding Oasis tutoring programs nationally. One of the reasons that I can make this claim is the outpouring of support from all the school staff members and administrators who attend the May celebration coffee to give lengthy tributes with gratitude to the Oasis tutors and to Mary! I concur with their praise. They are amazing.

Therefore, when I asked Mary to share some information with us, she eagerly accepted. Please read her first-person response to my request.

Fifteen years ago, as I was retiring from teaching first and later third grade, I was asked to coordinate Oasis tutoring for Pike.  Though I’d had several caring Oasis tutors for students in my class, I had no idea how much I would value this experience myself! Working with such dedicated, interesting folks, as they encourage our young students and develop relationships with them, is also so much fun!  I’m so pleased at how we have built our program in Pike, now having over 75 tutors.

Andorra

Andorra 2020

When asked to share a little about myself, the current time frame has turned out to be quite an extraordinary experience for my husband and me.  His daughter and family, including four children, live in Andorra, a small, mountainous country located between France and Spain, with a Catalan culture.  As we do every year, we undertook a two week visit with them in February.  Well, we are still here!  Our flight home was cancelled due to the Covid-19 crisis, and we responded to the family’s request/insistence for us to stay, since they have always wanted us for a longer visit, plus there were fears of travel at that time.   Ten weeks later, we have enjoyed our grandchildren, shared great cooking, and developed great memories of so many activities and books both with family and living in a European culture, even with restrictions.   I have shared reading many books with our first grader. With our third -grade grandson, I have read the Boxcar Children and now Marvin Redpost, and my husband is taking turns reading Goosebumps with him.  The 9-year-old boy hadn’t previously enjoyed reading, but now frequently asks to read with us, or simply reads alone!

“It often is about reading with a partner and finding that right book!”

Nature’s beauty here is everywhere, and governmental controls during the pandemic have kept Covid-19 case numbers down.  We think we will be able to return home in about two weeks and are eager to return, but this generally has been a great overall experience.   I’m including a photo looking out our window and one where we walk their dog.  I hope you have found some satisfactions and kept your health in this most challenging of times.  I look forward to seeing you all in the fall!

Tutoring Survey Button

Tutor survey

Oasis Tutoring asks all Tutors, Teachers, Principals/Building Liaisons and District Facilitators to participate in the annual Oasis tutoring survey. It is important as it provides Oasis feedback for improvement of the program and measurable data to report to funders. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to share this year’s tutoring experiences prior to the Covid-19 break.

Helpful tips for taking the survey:

  1. Taking the survey on a laptop or desktop computer is recommended instead of a mobile device or tablet.
  2. After clicking on the link provided, click on the role you serve in the program (“Tutor”).
  3. You may receive other requests or reminders to take the survey, please only take it once.

Giving Tuesday

Donate buttonThank you to everyone who made a donation to the Oasis during Giving Tuesday on May 5th. We appreciate your financial support and your partnership in the mission of Oasis Tutoring.  Thank you for helping us during this difficult time! If you missed it and would like to donate please click on the “Donate” button.

Oasis Classes via Zoom (FREE) 

If you are looking for enjoyable Oasis classes next week, here are two suggestions:

Taking Care of Your Physical and Mental Health – BINGO! Are you tired of playing Solitaire and Candy Crush? Need a new game and some helpful ideas about how to care for yourself during the isolation of quarantine and restrictions? Let’s have some FUN playing BINGO and learn what we can do to take special care of our physical and mental health during these challenging times. Susan Spilly, Special Populations Coordinator with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) will lead us in the game. A BINGO Card will be emailed to each registrant. Join us for this informative and interactive Zoom session. Space limited. Register NOW for class #5001. Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00.

Greece and the Greek Islands – Your Quarantine Get-a-way! Greece is composed of a large mainland and over 3,000 islands scattered over the Aegean Sea. It would take a lifetime to visit them all. Join us via Zoom for a 30-minute tour of six of these amazing locations. They are different in their look and their histories, yet they are all striking in their color, beauty and charm. All aboard! Oasis presenter David Medved will be our tour guide and provide commentary as we explore Greece. Register NOW for class #5002. Thursday, May 14 at 1:00.

Please pre-register online using your MyOasis log-in/password and class number. Upon registering you will receive an email confirmation letter from Oasis, with the Zoom link. Please join 10 minutes prior to class. Click the link and your computer will open the Zoom App and the class. Remember to click any permission buttons your computer may ask for. If for any reason the link does not work, open the Zoom App and type in the Meeting ID number and Password (found in your email confirmation from Oasis with the link.) If you need additional assistance registering for the class or with Zoom, email apellman@oasisnet.org.

Mom and daughter huggingCelebrating Mother’s Day

This weekend is highlighted by the celebration of Mother’s Day. We wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.

One way to celebrate the day is to read a book together or watch a read aloud online. The book “Momma Will You?” by Dori Chaconas is a fun book for a variety of ages. In the book the boy asks his mother a series of questions. Each question is immediately followed by, “yes”, “no” or “maybe” options for answering.

By the Dori Chaconas, author:

By a six year old boy:

Pregnant momMother’s Day may look a little different this year, do you plan to connect with family and friends by Face Time, Skype or Zoom? Yes, No or Maybe?

We would enjoy hearing from you and how the day was made special.

Please tell us how you celebrated Mother’s day in the comments below.

click to read

Tutor Tuesday

This week we offer a literacy lesson with a video and additional resources on phonics, a story of a district facilitator and a special teacher in his life and a few suggestions of books about teachers and classroom experiences.

Take care and stay well! Look for the beauty in each day!

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Rescue and Restored – Indianapolis Oasis Zoom Video Class https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/rescue-and-restored-indianapolis-oasis-zoom-video-class/ https://indianapolis.oasisnet.org/rescue-and-restored-indianapolis-oasis-zoom-video-class/#respond Fri, 01 May 2020 16:52:40 +0000 https://indianapolis.www.oasisnet.org/?p=892

Presented by Suzanne Rollins Stanis

Suzanne Rollins Stanis, Indiana Landmarks Director of Heritage Education & Information, presenting  Rescued and Restored, based upon a new book by Indiana Landmarks.  Rescued and Restored  features over 50 historic places across Indiana snatched from the wrecking ball or lifted from decades of neglect and restored with help from Indiana Landmarks, the largest statewide preservation organization in the United States. Suzanne previews and share some dramatic before-and-after photographs and inspirational comeback stories during this  April 28th Free Oasis Zoom class.  Watch and enjoy!

We want to hear from you!

Tell us what you thought about this recorded Zoom Video class. Share your memories and stories about Indiana Landmarks with us in the comments below.

Read more inspirational comeback stories on the Indiana Landmarks website.

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