Older Volunteers Help Children Learn to Read
March 21, 2013
Illiteracy is a problem in many of the world’s poorest countries. Even in wealthier nations like the United States, many children struggle with reading and writing. But in 19 cities across the country, the volunteers of Experience Corps are helping youngsters learn to read. The volunteers, all over 50, work with students in low-income areas.
Eight-year-old Kenasia Howard is reading about native Americans. She enjoys the story but says some words are difficult for her.
“Big words, and sometimes small words, I forget," she said.
She's reading with Sandy Morgan, who joined Experience Corps three years ago, after she retired. Morgan has been meeting Kenasia at Miner Elementary School twice a week for six months.
“We built a rapport and trust and we just made reading fun," said Morgan.
She says youngsters feel comfortable with the older volunteers, who have much to offer.
“Most of us are parents and grandparents," she said. "We get through to them. We just talk to them calmly, but we definitely have to have the patience. But we have learned that over the years through experience.”
When they are reading, the children may have trouble focusing, get their letters mixed up or add words that aren't there.
Dajah Staton faces all those problems. Linda Nelson is working with the 9-year-old, who only reads at a beginner's level. Nelson says she encourages Dajah when the girl feels like giving up.
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