Alexis McDowell sat under a tree with youngsters listening to a story at Nell Holcomb school Tuesday, part of her duties as a volunteer at summer school.

McDowell and six other pre-teens are helping teachers and working with youngsters enrolled in the school's remedial summer program.

Nell Holcomb's summer program is in its third year; 38 students who will enter grades 1 through 7 in the fall are participating in the four-week session. The program is funded with federal dollars and is free to students.

But remedial reading teacher Connie Stahlman said the budget doesn't include money for assistants or aids. So she asked for student volunteers.

Initially the young helpers were to make photocopies, run errands and help prepare snacks. But Stahlman said they have proven capable teaching assistants.

Classes include seven or eight students and Stahlman admits a class of eight is quite small, but said individualized attention is a key element of the summer program.

"This allows a lot of one-on-one interaction," Stahlman said. "These students need all the extra attention they can get."

One of the student helpers is 10 years old; the others are 12. Several are members of the schools Beta Club, an academic honors association.

During the school year, the Beta Club offers peer tutoring. In classrooms, students are encouraged to help each other.

"It's amazing how well a child will listen to another child rather than a teacher," Stahlman said. "They love that big sister, big brother attention too.

"It's been great for the teachers," Stahlman said. "It's been good for self confidence and for motivation."

Student volunteer Lauri Swallow said it's just been fun.

"I listen to the little kids read and help them on the computer. Today I will help with a cooking project."

"I just like working with little kids," she said. "I think if kids translate it, other kids know what they are talking about."

Swallow volunteered her study hall and recess times during the school year to help students, but she's not sure about a teaching career.

"I'm trying to decide between being a teacher and training killer whales at Sea World. That's what I'd really like to do."

Other helpers include Joey Deimund, Ryan Lohmeier and Tyler Barnhart.

Helper Windy Venable said volunteering at summer school "gave me something to do over the summer. I'd be all alone otherwise."

Venable just enjoys helping out.

Gina Pirch, who is also volunteering, said it makes sense to have children help other children learn.

"Whatever you learn and however you learn it, you can explain it and teach it the same way to someone else," she said. "Plus, it's something to do for the summer."