Q&A
Q: What is the Reading Buddy program?
A: The Reading Buddy program is designed to encourage students to become better readers. Volunteers, called "Reading Buddies" choose classrooms from Grades K-4 and are assigned a student to sit with, and listen to them read one-on-one. Thirty-minute time slots are allotted for each classroom. Classroom rimes are grouped together so that the Reading Buddy spends approximately one to three hours at the school.
Q: Who can be a Reading Buddy?
A: The Reading Buddy program is focused toward senior volunteers, although anyone may give quality time to help.
Q: Who gets to read?
A: The program is designed so that all students are allowed to participate. Students are picked each week by the teacher. The teachers use their own discretion as to the order and frequency the students are chosen. Reading is done on special Reading Buddy Benches in the hall outside the classroom door.
Q: What reading material is used?
A: Library books chosen by students, teacher suggestions, or high-interest books.
Q: What are the requirements of a Reading Buddy?
A: Complete a background check required by the school for all volunteers, have a positive smile and attitude, be patient and understanding of students and faculty, be on time and come consistently (notify the school and teacher if unable to attend), use common courtesy and avoid using students names when talking to others.
Q: What are some of the positive outcomes of the program?
A: 1. Students experience that reading is fun.
2. Students have an opportunity for a special one-on-one time with an adult.
3. Students benefit from the skills and experiences of preceding generations.
4. Students see that someone is taking time out to listen to them.
5. Volunteers are rewarded in smiles and the experience.
6. Volunteers, as members of the community, bear witness to the success of the school system.
Q: How is the program evaluated?
A: Via teacher survey, random students giving informal interviews, and informal evaluation of volunteers.