READ WITH ME! is a program that began in fall of 2008. The SCV Education Foundation matches volunteers with public schools who then assign them to teachers. These wonderful literacy friends work with students one on one or in small groups to assist with improving reading skills such as word accuracy, fluency, and reading comprehension.
This program has proven to be beneficial to the students, volunteers and teachers. The benefits received were beyond any expectations that we had when we started. Not only have the students shown improvement by working with our volunteers, the volunteers receive so much in return, as one volunteer, so aptly stated, “I can promise that you will feel the glow of a job well done when you receive such delightful notes and many hugs from the children. Their respect and appreciation, and that of the teachers, is overwhelming. And … we see the difference we make.”
One of the wonderful things about this program is that it doesn’t take too much of your time. Two hours a week while school is in session. It is amazing how much can be achieved in two hours over a small period of time. For children that need that extra attention those two hours make all the difference. They appreciate and love the time that a stranger, who quickly becomes a friend, gives to them. They learn that there are people outside of their own circle that care and enjoy their company. In turn, they do their best to please you by proudly reciting new words.
Up to third grade children learn to read. Fourth grade on, children read to learn. If a child is not reading at third grade level by the time they finish that year, they risk falling behind as they move on to upper grades.
With READ WITH ME! our goal is to help teachers with the students that need that extra attention to keep them from falling behind.
There are no special qualifications needed to volunteer for the in-school or after school program, just an open heart and the desire to give back.
For more information please call 661-678-0429 or visit www.scveducationfoundation.org.