Sometimes just a few minutes a day of the one-on-one attention that a tutor can provide is exactly what a child needs to help him or her keep up with the rest of the class.

And who would know that better than an educator with more than two decades of teaching experience — in this case, Inell Lyles of Natchez, who now serves as a volunteer with at McLaurin Elementary.

Lyles, who retired in 1992 after teaching in the Amite County public schools for almost 22 years, tutors at the school for just 30 minutes each day.

But she said even that amount of time can make a big difference to a child who is struggling with reading.

&uot;You teach them techniques of how to understand what they’re reading and how to find the main idea,&uot; Lyles said, adding that tutors focus on the main areas in which a student is having trouble. &uot;You go over the basic skills with them, and they take it from there.&uot;

The school provides a quiet place for the tutor and her student to go over the reading materials, and Lyles the lack of distractions helps a great deal.

&uot;They give you your own corner so you and the student can interact with each other,&uot;&160;Lyles said. &uot;That way, you can give the student special attention she needs.&uot;

Lyles said she can already see the progress the girl she is currently tutoring is making, and that is what keeps Lyles in the program.

&uot;For me, just being able to help a student move on, seeing each child brought up to their potential, is the most rewarding thing,&uot;&160;Lyles said. &uot;That’s what it’s all about. Otherwise, some children might fall through the cracks.&uot;

And Lyles, who sometimes volunteers with the Salvation Army and other local organizations, encourages others — especially other retirees — to take every opportunity to volunteer with the schools.

&uot;People don’t realize how much they are needed,&uot;&160;she said.

&uot;Retired people have a good bit of time on their hands. You’ll have to give up some of your free time … but if you can help someone it will be well worth it.&uot;