Research indicates most students spend kindergarten through third grade acquiring basic reading skills. Beginning in fourth grade and continuing all the way through high school — and then on into adulthood — they employ these skills to research, problem-solve, think critically, act upon ideas and share knowledge.
Reading is critical to a child’s success in school, not to mention lifelong earning potential and the ability to contribute to their communities. The problem is, some students struggle with learning to read for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, almost all children can learn to read; a little extra attention is all it takes to help them catch up.
In Juneau, the United Way of Southeast Alaska has teamed up with Juneau Public Schools and corporate sponsor Coeur Alaska to run the Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutors Program, specifically targeting early childhood literacy.
Now in its fifth year — and currently operating in Riverbend, Harborview and Gastineau Elementary Schools — the Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutors program provides constructive guidance, positive encouragement and a literacy-rich setting for elementary school-aged children. The program matches at-risk students, typically K-1, with their very own Learn United volunteer reading tutor.
“The goal is to promote a lifelong love of reading,” says Pamela Garcia, an instructional coach with Juneau Public Schools and the Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutor Coordinator for Riverbend and Harborview schools.
“We do this by creating positive experiences and building positive relationships around reading,” she said.
Volunteer reading tutors meet one-on-one with students, for a half-hour each week, usually during their lunchtime. After enjoying lunch together, tutors and students practice reading aloud, discussing passages and covering topics like alphabet, phonics and reading comprehension.
“For these kids, just having a grown-up come to see them — and only them — makes a big difference,” said Gastineau Elementary School principal Brenda Edwards.
“It also demonstrates a willingness to learn as an adult,” she said. “That sets a positive example, in and of itself: seeing a need and stepping up to meet that need.”
The Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutor Program originated as part of the United Way of Southeast Alaska’s Literacy By Third Grade campaign, as well as the national United Way Million Reading Tutors campaign, which seeks to engage one million new volunteer readers, tutors and mentors.
The reading tutor program found an enthusiastic partner in Coeur Alaska, a prime force behind its success.
As the program’s sponsor, Coeur Alaska funds books, lesson plans, supporting materials and assessment tools, as well as a paid full-time volunteer coordinator for Riverbend and Harborview and a half-time coordinator at Gastineau. Some Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutors are Coeur employees themselves.
“We encourage our employees as well as other community members to join us in supporting this program,” Vice President and General Manager of Coeur Alaska Wayne Zigarlick said. “Just one hour a week is all it takes to make a difference.”
Of course, volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. Edwards describes Gastineau’s reading tutor roster as “all over the board — college kids to grandmas and grandpas.”
“The people of Juneau have a genuine interest in helping, especially when it comes to childhood literacy,” added Garcia.
The program hopes to grow. At this point, the Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutors Program serves only K-1 in three elementary schools — although this past year, some Gastineau tutors continued with their students into second grade. Offering reading tutors to a broader range at every school requires more volunteers; this requires additional volunteer coordination, training and support.
But to those who experience the program’s benefits on a daily basis, it’s well worth the effort.
“By the end of May, you can really see a bond between tutor and student,” Garcia said.
“The more people we can engage in elementary education, the better,” says Edwards. “You welcome your school into the community by welcoming the community into your school.”
Interested in becoming a Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutor? All volunteer tutors receive background checks and a two-hour training session in the use of materials, as well as how to deliver instructional support and interact productively with younger students. Learn more at getconnected.unitedwayseak.org.
Read Learn Succeed: Learn United Volunteer Reading Tutors Program appears courtesy of United Way of Southeast Alaska as part of a project profiling the achievements of its Community Impact Grant Recipients. To learn more about “Living United,” the United Way of Southeast Alaska or any of its partner agencies visit www.unitedwayseak.org.
