Project PENCIL is a program that addresses this problem by connecting volunteers from the community with children who need extra help developing necessary reading skills. Reading partners meet with students weekly for 30 minutes of one-on-one reading time.
I began reading with students three years ago, and the experience of seeing my kids progress after a small amount of individual attention motivated us to expand the program at Sylvan Park Elementary so more students could benefit from reading partners. Recently one mother told me that her 8-year-old daughter had progressed from below, to above grade-level for the first time ever and that this has boosted her self-esteem tremendously. Several children moved from being behind to ahead of grade level over the year. It’s hard to believe that just 30 minutes a week can make that much of a difference, but I’ve heard the stories and seen the test scores to know that they can and do here at Sylvan Park.
What’s required to help? A one-hour training and background check are required for participation. Trainings will be held at the Pencil Box facility, and can be scheduled at Sylvan Park for three or more new volunteers. If you’d like to get involved, contact me at (615) 383-8564 or nolan4kids@yahoo.com. You’ll be glad you did.
No comments:
Post a Comment