Read First Initiative After School Program
Check out our videos!
the problem:
In our latest efforts to combat underdeveloped reading literacy skills amongst youth, we developed an after school reading program geared towards helping Pre K-4th graders with homework and reading in a positive environment that promotes healthy learning and academic growth through reading books. It is our goal to use new and innovative techniques to spark an interest in reading.
Read First Initiative after school program is a plus for the community as a whole. The positive effects of this program will be seen in the schools and in each child’s individual classroom as well as the family unit. Due to our positive reinforcement with homework and other enhancements such as; promoting reading and receiving help with homework, the load on our teachers is lightened. The effects of this program will be enormously felt in the homes of our program participants because it releaves parents that work long hours from having to worry about if their child’s homework is completed. Parents are also reassured that their children have received a nutritious meal and also had fun and learned some new things.
Read First Initiative after school programs will also lift youths self esteem, which will be felt in the community any where they go. Because, of this time after school that has been set aside to promote growth and compliment what youth have learned during the school week, we are building stronger students and the affects of that can be seen in discipline and how youth act in society. The program provides a safe haven for youth and keeps them off the street and out of trouble
vital stats:
people impacted:
40people involved:
5why it's important:
Read First Initiative provides youth with a wide range of activities to simulate education and individual creativity. A typical day starts with youth coming in getting started on their homework. Tutors are assigned to oversee that every child finishes his or her homework correctly. Home work help is much needed as soon as youth arrive to insure that what they learned that day is still fresh in their minds. Home work help time along with tutors are activities that are needed very much because it provides positive reinforcement and extra assistance with what the child has been taught in the classroom.
After all homework is completed the youth are then rewarded with a sticker that has a positive quote . Stickers usually say something like “Great Job” this activity is needed to encourage youth to continue to take time to do their homework which raises self esteem and builds confidence.
Following homework is when youth get to explore the world of books. Youth can read out loud in groups. This activity is needed so children can get help with sites, sounds, and pronunciation, and also facilitators can asset their reading skills. Other youth can sit in a circle and attend story book time. During story book time tutors read a story book to youth, we are especially found of this activity because it allows our youths imagination to soar as they listen. Story book time sparks youth to have questions about what is being read to them. Youth learn many things during story book time. Youth can also visit our technology and watch learning DVD’s on the computer.
Another component of our book time is allowing the more advanced readers which are some of our 4th graders to begin to read junior novels. Junior novels have about 100- 150 pages. This activity in needed to continue to develop youth who read well into more in depth readers.
After our book time, know youth can have free time. Free time consist of all sorts of activities such as coloring, arts and crafts, movie time, and interactive learning games. During free time, youth have time to interact with each other. We allow youth to talk and express them. Free time is a very important activity because youth are allowed to relax and be themselves while promoting balance in their lives and youth are able to view their reading program as still being fun
the plan of action:
The program is set up in 8 eight week session through out the year. The program runs 3 days a week from 3-6pm. We plan to expand the program as funding allows us to do so and hire potential tutors as growth of the program continues. I plan to continue to work with youth and seek more avenues that will ensure we operate the best program possiable that feeds the needs of our young people, both academically and socially.
how you can get involved:
Donations in the form of in-kind donations and goods are always needed. Needs include:
• School Supplies( paper, pencils, crayons, pencils, glue,)
Activity sets( Arts & crafts, puzzles, coloring book, science projects)
• Computer/Laptop( For usage to do online home work, test)
• Lunches and Snacks ( Gift Cards)
Read First Initiative After school programs offers volunteer opportunities for teens that are in high school to get service learning hours. Parents of program participants can also volunteer and serve as chaperons on trips. Adults who would like to volunteer for events or with program can, contingent on the fact they pass a criminal background check.
project updates:
videos:
Related Projects
Related Guides
Tips and Tools:
Action Guides:
How To: Volunteer to Help a Youth Team or After School Program in Your Town
Go team! Volunteer to help a youth team!
Comments
This is a great idea! It is very inspiring to see how you developed this project and are really making an impact in these young people's lives.