Community Reading Project

Become a Mentor Today!

The ability to read proficiently by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school. United Way of Kern County partners with the Community Reading Project to help at-risk second and third grade students improve their reading skills. By using volunteer, trained adult reading coaches who assist the children as they practice reading, the Community Reading Project is achieving great results with struggling readers.

Each semester, approximately 275 volunteers tutor at 23 local school sites. Community Reading Project does produce results. During the 2010-11 fall semester, 136 students saw their reading levels grow an average of 7.8 months, and in the spring semester the reading levels of 145 students averaged a growth rate of 7.2 months. The Community Reading Project is a community / school partnership targeted at second and third grade students providing research-based guided reading practice using trained volunteers for Kern County Superintendent of Schools.

Volunteer Commitment

One hour per week at a school site
Volunteer listens to and coaches four students individually
A two-hour training in guided reading practices is required for new volunteers

Students in the Community Reading Project are assessed at the beginning and end of each semester then scores are analyzed to show average student growth for the semester. Volunteers, schools and business partners are surveyed as an evaluation of the program.

Program Details

Mentors work with four children, 60 minutes per week
Once a week, same day and time
Each mentoring session is during a school semester
Each child every week reads-aloud and completes a literacy activity

Location

Mentoring takes place in the classrooms of local school campuses

Mentor Skills and Qualities

An interest in helping children succeed
The capacity to build a trusting and positive relationship with children through encouragement and positive feedback
Be responsible, flexible, and on-time for volunteer sessions; ask questions and assistance as needed to ensure a positive experience for everyone
Be playful and show that reading is fun
Be culturally-sensitive and aware of the experiences of the children and families involved in the program