Reading Partners Kicks Off

Mystic Valley Elder Services, working under an RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) contract that covers Middlesex County, is beginning the fifth year of the successful Reading Partners program. Reading Partners teams a person 55 or older with several children to help the young students improve reading ability.

“Reading Partners is active in schools in Malden and Waltham,” said Laura Krebs, MVES literacy program coordinator. “Retired people and children are a great combination. They both learn so much from one another.”

The program works closely with teachers and school administrators. At the beginning of the year, teachers will identify students who could benefit from one-on-one assistance. From November to June, the students will meet with a Reading Partner volunteer two times a week for 30 minutes. Concentrating on an assignment from his or her teacher, the student will read with the Reading Partner, use flashcards, play reading games, or practice writing. Students can be in grades kindergarten through third.

This school year there will be over 200 students who are helped by Reading Partners. Fifteen volunteers have joined the team this year and the program is seeking more volunteers. If you are interested in spending four hours a week helping students read, please contact MVES at 781-324-7705 or indicate your interest here.

Not enough time to volunteer? Why not donate some children’s books, crayons, or games? Every donation will help children become better readers.