America Reads
Only after children learn to read can they read to learn. America Reads is an initiative to help all children read well by fourth grade. Our volunteers make a twelve-week commitment to work two hours per week at a local elementary school. During the two hours, they work individually with the same three to four children for half an hour. Since thirty minutes is not sufficient time to help a child with severe learning difficulties, we ask the schools to match our volunteers with children who struggle with reading or are reluctant readers, but do not qualify for help from the reading specialists. This little bit of intervention is designed to boost the child’s reading skills and interest in reading and to keep them on grade level.

In Hatboro, a first grade girl started the year with some skill gaps and a reluctance to read. Now her reading coach extends their session a few extra minutes each week, because she does not want to stop reading. A first grade boy in Norristown went running back to his classroom yelling, “I can read, I can read” after the volunteer helped him master a few basic words.

Any one who loves reading and children can be a reading coach. We offer training and supply support and materials to assist the volunteers. The initial two-hour training outlines basic strategies to help the volunteer plan a coaching session. We have activities and games to strengthen skills and add an element of fun. Throughout the school year, we offer guidance and support with follow-up workshops, expertise from reading specialists and resource materials.

The dedication of our reading coaches to these young children is a wonderful gift. In addition to gaining reading skills, the children are learning that the world does have caring people. The RSVP volunteer’s gentle presence helps provide a balance to the harsh realities from which children are no longer sheltered.

The reading specialist in Springfield Township had this to say about the one special reading coach: “I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful Sandy is with the children at Erdenheim. She has made such a connection with the three students with whom she works. The students start asking me on Monday when is she coming in to work with them.”

Training is offered on an ongoing basis September through February at varied times and locations. For further information contact Barbara at 610 834-1040 x27 or finkelstein@rsvpmc.org.