Read Aloud with Children and Inspire Life-Long Learners
Do you enjoy reading aloud to young kids? Share your love of reading with young children! The Words Alive Read Aloud Program (RAP) operates on the knowledge that reading aloud to young children is the most important thing we can do to help them become motivated, strong readers. Every month the Read Aloud Program serves approximately 2,000 preschool and elementary school students attending Title I (low-income) elementary schools. Many students we serve live in communities with limited educational resources.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to provide stimulating, shared-reading experiences in our preschool and elementary classrooms IN-PERSON. Our Fall 2023 Programming will start the second week of October.
Our Read Aloud Program volunteers provide weekly shared-reading experiences to help these young students develop the cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills necessary to be successful adults. No prior teaching experience is necessary; curriculum guides offering themed example questions, group activities, and useful tips and tricks for an engaging reading session will be provided to support volunteers in preparing for their sessions.
Goals and Outcomes:
Read Aloud volunteers work to build healthy reading habits, encourage reading comprehension, boost phonological awareness, and provide opportunities for self-expression and world exploration. We explore new and diverse texts using five anchors, read, talk, sing, play, and connect to help foster the love of reading.
Ideal Volunteers Should:
· Enjoy reading
· Be comfortable spending time with young children
· Be culturally sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of our students
· Have reliable transportation
· Have a positive attitude
Hours and Locations:
We have in-person volunteer positions available to support children across San Diego County.
Volunteers work remotely at an assigned school site. Volunteers typically spend 30 minutes per classroom reading and providing fun, educational activities. Commitment varies by site; most volunteers commit to 2 or more classes weekly. Preparation for reading sessions can be done in as little as 15 minutes.
Currently, we are seeking out individuals who would be interested in volunteering at these particular school sites:
Carver Elementary, Oak Park
Hamilton Elementary, City Heights
Harriet Tubman Village Charter, College Area
Ibarra Elementary, City Heights
Rolando Park Elementary, Rolando Park
Required Paperwork and Training:
· Volunteers will need to submit a completed application
· Volunteers must be 18 years or older
· Attend a 1-hour volunteer orientation for all Words Alive volunteers
· Complete a fingerprint background check
· Attend a 2-hour training specific to the Read Aloud Program
· COVID requirements: provide proof of full vaccination, complete COVID waiver, and (if required by school) wear masks during in-person sessions.
· Submit a negative TB test.
To Get Started: Email [email protected] or call us at 858-274-9673 to sign up for the next orientation and training.