Summer Scholars

We all know that reading aloud to young children builds a strong foundation for later reading success. But you may not be aware that the need for read-aloud beyond the preschool years is critical for struggling readers. That’s why Summer Scholars is seeking Reading Buddies to volunteer in our after-school program.

“Reading aloud to children helps them learn that letters on a page correspond to words and spoken language,” says Linda Abeyta, Summer Scholars’ co-director of curriculum. “Through reading aloud, students hear vocabulary that’s higher-level than what they can read on their own, they hear what reading fluency sounds like, and they experience reading as a pleasurable activity. All of these things combine to increase students’ desire to learn to read.”

Because read-aloud is so important in helping children become successful readers, Summer Scholars is seeking volunteers who would like to work as Reading Buddies. This position offers scheduling flexibility: As a Reading Buddy, you would be asked to commit to a regular schedule, but it can be from as little as one hour a day, one day per week, to several times per week, for up to two hours per day. Because we are serving 15 different elementary schools this year, there’s probably a location convenient to you.

Summer Scholars will provide training and ongoing coaching. Best of all, you’ll get to participate in a fun and meaningful activity that will truly make a difference in the lives of at-risk students in our community.

If you would like to serve as a Reading Buddy, you can find our volunteer application here. If you would like more information, please call Jennifer Agnew at 303-381-3738.