Learning and Exploring at Play - LEAP
What is LEAP?
LEAP engages undergraduate students in helping Kindergarten and 1st Grade students develop the language, literacy, math and social skills necessary to succeed in school. Tutors are paired individually with a child for the duration of the academic year, and spend two hours per week working with their partner to develop these skills.
By participating in the program LEAP tutors are encouraged to develop new perspectives; teaching and leadership skills; awareness and interest in the Rochester community; and additional insight into their own paths and values. Tutors complete extensive training throughout the year to help facilitate these goals.
How does it work?
LEAP Sessions
LEAP tutors are placed on teams of 10 under the guidance of a Team Leader. Each team member is paired individually with a child and the group conducts hour-long sessions twice weekly outside of the students' classroom. During session the Team Leader guides the group through activities while maintaining an open environment where each individual child is able to make choices and explore their interests alongside their partner.
Sessions are planned completely by the tutors and are customized based on the interests of the children in the group. Each team meets twice weekly outside of session to debrief, plan activities and to support each other as they work to find the most effective ways to help their specific group of children learn.
LEAP is designed to promote active learning in an environment that is open to exploration and gives children the opportunity to learn through play. Each tutor has an important role as they discover the interests and abilities of their specific partner child and encourage literacy, math, science and social development.
Classroom Assistance Time
In addition to sessions LEAP tutors participate in Classroom Assistance Time, or CAT. During this time tutors are placed in a classroom and expected to assist and observe the classroom teacher. CAT placements are not limited to Kindergarten and Preschool; tutors can be place in any classroom from K-8th Grade in a variety of subject areas including social studies, science and special education.
How do I join?
LEAP is now recruiting for the 13-14 academic year! Applications are available and should be submitted with a copy of your resume to Ebony Harrison, Graduate Assistant for Community Service. This is a federal work study eligible job through the University, but students are also welcome to apply as volunteers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
For anyone interested in knowing more about the program there will be an information session on Tuesday, September 3rd at 5pm in Havens Lounge.
If you have any questions please contact Ebony Harrison or Emma Rainwater in the Rochester Center for Community Leadership. Find LEAP on Facebook for updates and information!
