Reading Partners Foster Success

The school year has just finished and children in our communities are enjoying summer vacation. But, in Malden and Waltham, it’s not just the children who are taking some time off. MVES’ Reading Partners also are on vacation after another successful year working with students.

Reading Partners is a volunteer program that pairs seniors age 55 and over with children in grades kindergarten through third. Seniors offer their wisdom and time to help students who need individual help with reading.

There are currently 38 volunteers who work with children at three schools in Waltham and four schools in Malden. Last year, 145 students were in the program. Was it successful? You bet! Below are some numbers that show just how successful the program is.

The percent of Reading Partners students who improved in the following reading skills:

Sound Recognition: 89%
Sight Words: 92%
Word Patterns: 82%
Concepts of Print: 85%
Alphabet Order: 73%
Reading Comprehension: 76%

The percent of Reading Partners students who improved in the following attitudes and behaviors:

Interest in books: 65%
Participation in reading activities: 65%
Active involvement in reading activities: 65%
Interest in learning new reading skills: 70%
Overall confidence as a reader: 76%

Reading Partners is obviously a success thanks to the generosity of volunteers. What isn’t measured by these numbers is the relationship that students have with their senior tutors. “Tutors and children share a special connection,” said Laura Krebs, the Reading Partners coordinator. “The students look forward to meeting with their volunteers. Having a special friend at school helps motivate the children and improves their self-esteem”

With the success of the program, Reading Partners will expand to at least one school in Everett during the next year. Are you interested in making a difference in a child’s life? After training, volunteers are asked to commit four hours per week, September through June, to help students. Volunteers help for at least one year.

If you’re interested in helping children learn to read, please contact Laura Krebs at 781-324-7705.