Community volunteer Anne Loring and her reading buddy

Get involved, gain experience,
make a difference…

Become a Reading Buddy!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Mead

Important Dates

Informational Meeting and Breakfast

Thursday, September 18, 9:15–10:30am, Room 7

Reading Buddy Training

Wednesday, October 1, 9:15–10:30am, Room 7

Background

This can be your year to make a difference by sharing your love of reading with a child! Fall City Elementary School’s Literacy Team is seeking volunteers to help in its Reading Buddy program. The Reading Buddy program matches adult reading mentors with elementary-aged children who are learning to read and who need extra encouragement. Reading Buddy pairs meet in the library at the elementary school for about half an hour each week. Having an adult buddy helps a child improve his or her reading skills and encourages the love of reading. Feedback has shown that children receiving Buddy assistance have made substantial improvement not only in their grades but in their attitude and behavior as well.

Your volunteer help is needed. Last year with increased support from the Literacy for Life grant, The Literacy Team Reading Buddy program set out to expand and was able to quadruple the number of students served reaching from grades K-5! The community played a large role in this success, as the number of community members involved in the program increased greatly from previous years. Kids who struggle with reading are apt to experience difficulty with all aspects of school as well as have fewer opportunities in later life. Therefore, The Literacy Team is determined to not turn away any children who sign up for a Reading Buddy.

Volunteers with experience as a Reading Buddy are encouraged to return, either with the same child or to be matched with a different youngster, and new volunteers are welcome. Parents, grandparents, guardians, retirees and senior citizens, employees, employers, college students and people who just enjoy students are encouraged to join! All volunteers receive support and assistance throughout the year. There will be an informational meeting and breakfast for Reading Buddy volunteers at Fall City Elementary School on Thursday, September 18th at 9:15-10:30am in Room 7. The informational meeting will profile past experiences and discuss goals, strategies, and logistics for the coming year.

Prospective volunteers should contact Katie Morris, the literacy coordinator, at morrisk@svsd410.org.

Be a Reading Buddy!

What is The Reading Buddy Program?

Reading Buddies is a one-to-one reading program using volunteers as mentors and tutors at Fall City Elementary School. The goal of The Literacy Team Reading Buddy program is to assist students who need additional help to become successful readers and confident students.

Who can be a Reading Buddy Mentor?

Anyone who desires to help a young student succeed in reading and have a meaningful experience with language. Parents, grandparents, guardians, retirees and senior citizens, employees, employers, college students and people who just enjoy students are encouraged to join!

What is the Mentor role?

To work with the same student each week, helping to improve specific reading skills. Providing encouragement, support and just being a friend.

How much time does it take?

Each session with students is 30 minutes per week. The program operates from October to May, with a training session in October.

Who is in The Literacy Team Reading Buddy program?

Students that have been selected by classroom teachers from grades K-5.

How will I know what to do?

All Reading Buddy volunteers receive support and assistance throughout the year by Katie Morris, the FCES Literacy Coordinator. Members also benefit from “Coffee House Chats” each trimester where they can share ideas, learn new strategies, and gain experience on literacy topics presented by guest teachers.

Informational Meeting and Breakfast
for Reading Buddy volunteers at Fall City Elementary School on Thursday, September 18 at 9:15-10:30am in Room 7

This informational meeting will profile past experiences and discuss goals, strategies, and logistics for the coming year. We look forward to seeing our returning Buddies as well as anyone interested in joining. Bring a buddy to the Reading Buddy Breakfast!

How can I become a Reading Buddy Mentor?

Contact Katie Morris, Literacy Coordinator, at morrisk@SVSD410.org.