Oasis Tutor Tribune

Oasis tutors play an instrumental role in the development of our students’ early literacy skills.  Furthermore, the one-on-one interactions between students and their tutors  help our young scholars develop a love for learning that will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst to propel them to success for the remainder of their formal education.  Research has overwhelmingly  shown the long-term positive impact that a strong and healthy relationship, with just one adult, has on a child.  Our tutors are literally changing lives! —Larry Young, Ph.D., Superintendent, MSD of Pike Township, Indianapolis, IN

The start times for all the webinars will be:

10 a.m. Eastern Time
9 a.m. Central Time
8 a.m. Mountain Time
7 a.m. Pacific Time

Check out these book recommendations for your upcoming tutoring sessions this fall! If you’re looking for more ideas, be sure to explore the books and session plans available on Tutor Power.

Need help accessing Tutor Power? Please email your Oasis Tutoring Staff Member for assistance. 

Mary Click
National Intergenerational Tutoring Director – Expansion and Fidelity

Title: Mouse’s First Fall
Author:  Lauren Thompson
Illustrator: Buket Erdogan
Grade Level: K-2
Publisher: Little Simon (July 20, 2010)

This is a colorful book on a Kindergarten interest level with many possible lessons including colors, counting, adjectives, action words, and word endings, indicating past actions.

Mandy Plybon
RSVP Program Manager | Audrain & Callaway Counties MO

Title: The Leaf Thief
Author:  Alice Hemmingway
Illustrator:  Nicola Slater
Grade Level: K–3
Publisher:  Sourcebooks (August 3, 2021)

One of my favorite fall children’s books is The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming. I love the adventure Squirrel takes to find his missing leaves. He talks to his other animal friends to try to find them. He eventually realizes the wind has taken the leaves.

Breann Bailey
RSVP Program Manager | St. Louis City, St. Clair County (IL), and St. Charles MO

Featured on Tutor Power!

Title: When Christmas Feels Like Home
Author:  Carolina Farias
Illustrator:  Nicola Slater
Grade Level:  1–3
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company; First Edition (September 1, 2013)

The story follows the journey of Eduardo as he and his family move to America. He struggles initially, as we all would, acclimating to a new home and culture. Eventually, he begins to make new friends, and his family helps him to find comfort in maintaining their heritage as he makes new memories. It’s fun to experience our traditions from a new perspective, as the author describes seasonal events with a flourish – “pumpkins will smile” and “trees ride on cars.” The story and the illustrations feel warm and cozy, exactly the sentiments I want to evoke during the holiday season. I love the incorporation of Spanish words, as Eduardo and his friends teach each other about their culture and customs.

Jane Frizzell
RSVP Tutoring Program Coordinator | Linn and Livingston County, MO

Title: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
Author:  Kevin Henkes
Illustrator:  Nicola Slater
Grade Level:  Pre-K–3
Publisher: HarperCollins (August 19, 1996)

Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, but when he asks her to wait a while before showing her fabulous new purse and other possessions, she does something for which she is very sorry later. Filled with humor and illustrations that skillfully show the wide range of emotions Lilly feels, this book is great fun to share. The session plan for the book offers helpful tips on how to utilize the book to discuss what constitutes good character and what it means to take personal responsibility.

Kate Buemi
RSVP Tutoring Program Manager | St. Louis County & St. Louis City, MO

Title: The Fox and the Falling Leaves
Author:  Julia Rawlinson
Illustrator:  Tiphanie Beeke
Grade Level:  Pre-K–3
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc. (January 1, 2007)

The Fox and the Falling Leaves is a delightful story about the change of seasons and the emotions that Fletcher the Fox goes through. The beautiful illustrations throughout the book truly enhance the storytelling, making it captivating for young readers.

Pat Williams
RSVP Tutoring Program Coordinator | Linn and Livingston County, MO

Becca Favier
RSVP Program Coordinator | Franklin and Jefferson Counties, MO

Popular Pick!

Title: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!
Author:  Lucille Colandro
Illustrator:  Jared Lee
Grade Level:  K–2
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (September 2012)

Pat: Have you ever known an old lady who has ever swallowed so many bizarre things? This Halloween themed version of the “old lady” series by Lucille Colandro, is accompanied by fun and colorful learning activities in the session plan.

Becca: When I was a kid, I loved the “There Was an Old Who Swallowed A(n)…” books. I love the silly and outrageous nature of the stories, and this is a spooky-cute take on it. I love a book that can give me a good laugh!