Since I missed out on blogging last month, this will be a two-fer. As an educator, literacy is extremely important to me (How do illiterate people even drive???). So for the last year and a half, I have been waking up early during the second Saturday of most months to volunteer with the nonprofit organization, Reading to Kids.
Michelle Obama reads to kids. So should you! :D Each week, the volunteers read a book (yes, as the name suggests, we read to the kids), assist the kids in making a book-related craft, and hand out prize books to encourage the reading at home. Today, Reading to Kids gifted a 100,000th reading book! Think of how many kids now been able to start their own personal libraries!
Last month, a record-breaking 191 children showed up at Esperanza Elementary for the first reading club of the school year! October's reading club consisted of 166 squirmy students who listened to the reading of Halloween-themed books, took home prize books, and stayed for a (disappointing) show from a Magic Castle magician.
I usually determine which grade level I will read with based on the book. I have yet to read for kindergarten since many of them have very limited English proficiency. 4th and 5th read more difficult "chapter books" which tend to be disappointing since the beginnings are all exposition. So I tend to stick to 1st through 3rd.
Today's third graders, Jasmin, Tiffany, Kenia, Jayson, Angel and Dominic, really enjoyed Tom Lichtenheld's Everything I Know About Monsters. I love how engaged the students were as they stood up to point out little things, to interrupt to share personal stories, and to display their personalities.
I miss taking home my own craft (the volunteers used to make models for the kids) but I took something home today too! The reward for my 10th Saturday morning with Reading to Kids? A nifty certificate! My reading partner, Matthew, one-upped me with his jaw-dropping 100 Saturday mornings!
TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS: 6/24 hours (2 events)
