A local elementary school has asked our Rotary Club for volunteers to support reading activities with some of their youngest students once a week, to encourage their interest in learning and specifically in reading. We are starting a pilot program in Spring 2023.
Our club member, Marguerite Campbell, is now liaising with Andrea Moyer, the school's Resource Teacher / Teacher Librarian at Brant Ave Public School to set up a Pilot Program with Rotary Reading Buddies. It will begin as soon as possible after March Break and run until the end of June 2023 (end of this school year) and then be reviewed for continuation in the next school year beginning September 2023.
Our Children & Youth Committee is really excited about this program involving Service Above Self, and grateful for Marguerite's Vocational Service as a former teacher, principal, school superintendent and now university educator. This is Rotary Vocational Service at its finest!
Can you commit to one hour a week to encourage young readers?
Here's what you need to know:
- Firstly, all volunteers working inside the school need to have a Vulnerable Sector Police Check. (See application instructions below)
- The school will select the students in grades 1-3 who would most benefit from receiving focused attention and encouragement from a caring adult.
- Ideally, the same volunteer will meet with the same child or children every week, to build trust and relationships. But if you can't make your assigned slot some week, other volunteers will back you up so as not to disappoint the children who are anticipating their special tutoring time.
- It is NOT about reading to a whole class at once, but rather spending quality time with one or two children at a time, in the school library, and making it fun so that they WANT to be with you and learn.
- Each volunteer will commit to one hour per week at the school, spending time with two children for 30 minutes each.
- A "Volunteer Kit" will be provided to give some guidance for handling each 30-minute session.
- A "Volunteer Orientation Meeting" will also be held to meet the school staff involved and find your way inside the school.
- At least 5 committed volunteers are required for the Pilot Program, to fill these time slots:
- Tuesday 9:15 - 10:15
- Tuesday 9:45 - 10:45
- Wednesday 11:45 - 12:45
- Wednesday 12:15 - 1:15
- Thursday 2:00 - 3:00
- If more than 5 volunteers are available, more children can potentially be helped and may also be utilized as fill-in/“Supply” mentors.
- Ready to sign up as a Rotary Reading Buddy? Contact Marguerite Campbell: campbell.marguerite@gmail.com mobile (416) 529-4743
APPLYING FOR A VULNERABLE SECTOR POLICE CHECK:
Agency: Rotary Club of Guelph
Role: Reading Buddy/Volunteer Elementary School
Purpose: To encourage young children to read more
Cost is $35