A Legacy of Language: A Bilingual Tutor Helped a Bright Young Reader Soar
By Eric Steckel | May 15, 2025
Your generosity helped Chiara work with a bilingual tutor and learn to read
Your generosity helped provide Chiara with a bilingual tutor. Through hard work and comforting support, she is learning to read.
Something special happens when Vilma Morales sits down to read with Chiara. A Puerto Rican woman who grew up speaking Spanish at home and English at school, Vilma knows exactly what it feels like to bridge two worlds. Her ability to speak Spanish isn’t just a skill—it’s security and comfort for the children she tutors.
Comfort Instills Confidence
Chiara is a bright, talkative second grader who loves coming to Succeeding by Reading. However, despite her enthusiasm and ability to pick things up quickly, she struggles with reading in English.
Like many children in Oakland, she speaks Spanish at home. Learning to read in a language that feels unfamiliar can be daunting.
“When they feel comfortable with you, if there’s something they don’t know, they can tell you without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.”— Vilma Morales, Children Rising Tutor
“Speaking Spanish lets Chiara express herself and feel comfortable,” Vilma explained. “When they feel comfortable with you, if there’s something they don’t know, they can tell you without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.” That comfort and connection created a safe space for learning, where Chiara could take risks, ask questions, and grow.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
Will you complete HER Circle of Care?
Through one-on-one reading and math tutoring, and family support, you will nurture an eager child in a circle of care so they may succeed in school.
“They know that I’m not going to judge them, that I’m going to help them out the best way I can,” she added. “And they feel comfortable with that.”
Opening the Door Between Language and Learning
With Vilma’s support, Chiara has thrived. She has moved from the TK orange zone to the second-grade blue zone, equivalent to two grade levels in six months.
For English language learners, a bilingual tutor can bridge language barriers and help them succeed in school … and in life!
That door between language and learning has to open for many more children. With more than 50% of Oakland students speaking a language other than English at home, bilingual tutors like Vilma are critical.
We need more tutors who can connect across languages and cultures, especially Spanish and Arabic speakers. You can help children like Chiara thrive by volunteering or supporting our programs.
Because every child deserves the chance to read, and every language is a bridge to learning.
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* Children Rising respects the privacy of our students. While all the stories we share are genuine and true, we change names as needed to protect student privacy.