Grade 4 students at Landing Trail Intermediate School are hitting the books thanks to the new volunteer reading program.
Inspired by the program at Whispering Hills Primary School, the LTIS version helps Grade 4 students bring their reading skills to a new level with the help of volunteers. Community members come into the school four days a week and work with children as they learn to increase their reading comprehension and skill.
Students who take part in the program are given a book, which they read aloud with the help of their volunteer. Each student reads for 15 minutes every day, and gets a copy of their book to take home so as to encourage continued reading away from school. Throughout the year, the kids progress through ‘reading levels’ as their skills increase and they read more and more.
Two months into the school year, the program is already a big success, according to Grade 4 teacher Shona Hunter. She noted that the kids who are taking part are building confidence and are enjoying the program, while the volunteers also find it to be rewarding.
“It’s a win-win on both sides,” she said.
Hunter noted that even though traditional formats like books and newspapers are gradually being supplanted by computer screens, iPads and smart phones, reading is still a crucial skill.
“If you can’t read, you’re still at a deficit in the world,” she said.
That’s why Hunter, volunteer liaison Kate Nunn and the 10 volunteers are working hard to help the LTIS kids develop their reading skills while forming a love for the activity.
The program has received lots of support from volunteers, as well as contributions from Buy-Low Foods and Canadian Tire.
LTIS principal Glen Finney is pleased to see the program becoming so popular.
“It’s a really great opportunity for kids who need that extra help with reading. It’s going to make a difference,” he said.
