Community mentors play an important role in the success of the Reading Buddies program. Ideally, a volunteer is paired with a student while he or she is in kindergarten. It's particularly helpful when the Reading Buddy is able to continue with that student as he or she progresses through the first and second grades.
Our hope is that 90% of all students enter the third grade reading on grade level. You can help with this lofty goal by giving just 30 minutes a week of your time. No special skills are needed. You simply need to be prepared to have a positive interaction with a young child. Many volunteers enjoy it so much that they participate with more than one student per week.
Our hope is that 90% of all students enter the third grade reading on grade level. You can help with this lofty goal by giving just 30 minutes a week of your time. No special skills are needed. You simply need to be prepared to have a positive interaction with a young child. Many volunteers enjoy it so much that they participate with more than one student per week.
We'll take care of the background check, which is required by law. Then, after a one-hour training session, you'll be ready to meet your Reading Buddy.
How It Works
Volunteers are partnered with a student/buddy and meet with the child on a weekly basis for a 30 minute session. If your schedule permits, volunteers are welcome to sign-up for additional time slots to mentor more than one child.
Volunteers monitor and assist by reading to the student, listening to the student read, encouraging the student, and attending the student's school activities if they would like. All materials are provided, and no experience teaching reading is required.
As much as supporting critical reading skills, volunteers help their buddies by establishing a positive relationship with them.
Volunteers monitor and assist by reading to the student, listening to the student read, encouraging the student, and attending the student's school activities if they would like. All materials are provided, and no experience teaching reading is required.
As much as supporting critical reading skills, volunteers help their buddies by establishing a positive relationship with them.
