By Daily Press staff
Fairview Branch Library is seeking volunteer tutors for its six-week summer reading program for children, held June 21 through July 31. The program offers children entering grades one through five a “dialogue between the tutor and the child.” Activities might include pronouncing English words, alphabet review, vocabulary from a book the child is reading, discussing a story or writing about it.
Program director Sylvia Anderle hopes to attract tutors who are native English speakers, but teaching knowledge or experience is not needed. Starting with a one-session volunteer orientation, the library supplies tutors with books, worksheets, activities and ongoing support. With clear expectations and mandated homework for the students, teachers often report that the child’s reading level has improved considerably.
The program originated nine years ago when Anderle perceived a need for free, community-based remediation for students who needed individual attention. Part of the continuing “outreach effort” at the branch, it primarily enrolls children whose parents are not native English speakers and who, therefore, may find it difficult to help with certain reading skills.
“Tutors have always felt that this was a very positive experience,” Anderle said, with most students and tutors developing a “lovely relationship.” She welcomes a variety of volunteers, including high school or college students, professionals and seniors.
Volunteers work with individual students at the library for one hour per week and need to commit to the full six-week session. A volunteer orientation is required, on Saturday, April 24, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., or Monday, May 3, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 7, 2004. Read the original PDF.