Now teachers have the advantage of working with skilled volunteers who can read individually with their students. We have trained parents, grandparents, community members, senior citizens, high schoolers , and intermediate students to be part of this program. Together, they read and talk about books, do follow-up activities, make up and write stories, and play alphabet games. Volunteers learn special reading techniques by attending two workshops. These techniques are based on proven early childhood reading strategies, as well as Reading Recovery methods.
Workshops give volunteers the practice, strategies, and confidence needed to read with children.
To provide additional support to kindergarten, first, and second grade beginning readers. To involve parents and community members in the elementary schools. To promote lifelong learning by helping young children improve their reading skills and self-esteem. To provide role models for K-2 students. To foster greater respect and understanding of diversity within the community by involving students and volunteers from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.