What do literacy volunteers do

Frequently Asked Questions. Volunteer Now. Teach an adult to read. Inspire the world to change. At this time we are only able to refer programs within the United States. Frequently Asked Questions Why volunteer? For others, it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. One of the better-known benefits of volunteering is the impact it can have on a community.

Volunteering allows you to connect with your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people in need. Whatever your reason, we believe volunteering can transform you and the world around you. Who can volunteer? Tutors should be passionate about sharing their skills and knowledge with adults who want to improve their reading, writing, and technology skills.

Anyone with reasonable levels of reading and numeracy can get involved. Consistency is important to learners, so you will need to commit to a regular volunteering slot.

Classes often takes place in evenings, meaning full-time workers are often able to volunteer. Requirements A strong commitment to helping people learn to read and write High school diploma or equivalent Excellent communication skills: ability to speak, read and write English fluently Ability to use computer technology a plus Experience is not required—All volunteers receive training What does it entail? Who are adult learners? Successful adult literacy volunteers have the following characteristics: Dependability, promptness, patience, flexibility, and friendliness Interest in diverse cultures and stories Ability to relate to people from many backgrounds A willingness to provide respectful and relevant instructional content A willingness to work with and take direction from program staff Interest in serving the community Ability to speak, read, and write English fluently Do I need training?

Where will I get the training and teaching materials? What is the time commitment involved? We know that children who enjoy reading for pleasure are four time more likely to read at the expected level for their age than children who do not enjoy reading. You will act as a positive ambassador for reading, encouraging children to see books as offering them valuable and enjoyable experiences.

Literacy Volunteers will give you full training and regular support once you are matched with a setting. You will be provided with either story sack or story bag of resources to use depending on the age of the children you are reading with and to. We can tailor the setting to suit you. This opportunity has been developed for volunteers who can only attend settings for a minimum of one hour a week for as little as one term. The short amount of time each week can provide an easy opportunity to volunteer for busy individuals with regular schedules.

Volunteer reading programs work best when the children get to know the volunteer reader. While the commitment each week is small, it is usually best if volunteer readers can commit to a complete time period such as an entire school year or a full summer program. Several educational research studies support the idea that the children who are involved in programs with adult reading volunteers improve with their school success.

In , researcher Sara Rimm-Kaufmann found that first graders involved in a program with an adult reading volunteer three times a week had better letter recognition and reading skills than similar first graders who had not been involved in such groups. Other studies since that time have also shown adult reading volunteer programs to support early readers.

A study by Brian Volkmann showed that children who were read to by adult volunteers had improved school attendance, which is a major predictor of high school graduation rates. The program has continued to show results, with results from voluntary surveys showing a wide range of reading improvement. Community members who volunteer in schools may reap a host of benefits that range from expanding their personal networks to adding valuable skills to their resumes.

Reading volunteers also enjoy the special time they get to spend with young children. Many volunteers have heart-warming stories to share about the children they read to. The volunteers know that they are inspiring young children with a proven educational strategy. While reading programs are common throughout communities all across the US, the organizations that manage the programs can differ.

The two most common places where there are reading partner programs are public elementary schools and public libraries. Your local United Way may also know of a volunteer reading program. Contact these places to see if they have a program or if they can connect you with a reading program in your community.

The best times to sign up are at the beginning of the school year or the beginning of the summer. If there isn't a volunteer reading program in your community, feel free to let local schools, teachers, or librarians know that you are interested in volunteering in this way.

It isn't always necessary to volunteer through an established program. If you have more time, energy, and skill to support children's literacy, you may want to move beyond being a reading volunteer. Reading is an important skill that is critical to school success. Volunteer readers demonstrate that reading can be fun and enjoyable. Register for NVO and learn more about what happens after orientation. Please contact our Volunteer Program Manager Caroline by email or phone if you have any questions or you are unable to attend any of the upcoming sessions.

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