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 “Idaho Reads” is an
intergenerational tutoring program that addresses the challenge
that every child be able to read well and independently by the end of the third
grade.
Idaho Reads is a challenge
to all citizens. Citizens from all walks of life
have responded to the call; teachers, parents an grandparents, librarians, and
business partners.
Even when students receive the best
in-class instruction, some will always need extra time and assistance to meet
the levels of reading skills needed in school, in the workplace, and throughout
life. RSVP tutors complement and expand existing literacy efforts by extending
reading learning time. The AmeriCorps VISTA coordinates the “Idaho Reads”
program in conjunction with teachers, reading specialists, librarians,
principals, and volunteer site coordinators. There are currently 20 schools in
the northern counties of Idaho that proudly incorporate RSVP “reading partners”
into their curriculums.
RSVP tutors work with children in all
grades. Tutoring sessions usually range from 30-40 minutes, one time per
week. The sessions are one-on-one, providing individual reading opportunities
for students.
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Research
shows that
tutoring increases a child’s reading
achievement, confidence and motivation.
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| Upon joining the “Idaho Reads” team, seniors are offered an initial literacy training, either by the school’s reading specialist
or the VISTA volunteer. Once the
volunteers are under way, the benefits are innumerable. Children receive the
amazing gift of literacy and seniors benefit from a sense of accomplishment,
pride, and increased self-worth. The community recognizes volunteers efforts as
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A vital volunteer opportunity of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program,
mentors are matched with at-risk teens in alternative high schools in Post
Falls, Rathdrum, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Besides working in schools, we
also place volunteers at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Juvenile
Justice, and the Teen Aid Project. The mentor and mentee meet every week
at a specific location in the school according to a pre-arranged schedule.
As a mentor, you can be a sounding board to listen and provide guidance and
reflection for the choices and decisions that students are facing. Through your
own life experience and through listening, you can work with a student to help
discover his/her strengths, directions, and goals and, also, to explore
personal, educational, and career choices. The key to mentoring is positive
change through a caring relationship, rather than through professional services.
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