Reading Buddies

“A good book can take us anywhere—and today we went there together!”

Reading Buddies is a collaborative program between Wanke Elementary School and Helotes Hills UMC which promotes literacy of children between the ages of PreK and second grade. Reading aloud to a classroom of children is much more than entertainment. It is one of the most valuable things a teacher, parent, or classroom volunteer can do to help children become strong readers and lifelong learners.

Some of the most important benefits are:

• Builds vocabulary. Children hear words and expressions they may not encounter in
  everyday conversation.
• Develops listening and comprehension. They learn to follow a story, remember details,
  predict what might happen, and understand cause and effect.
• Models fluent reading. Hearing an adult read with expression, pauses, emotion, and
  different voices shows children what good reading sounds like.
• Encourages a love of books. A wonderful story read by an enthusiastic adult helps
  children associate books with pleasure rather than simply schoolwork.
• Stimulates imagination. Unlike television or videos, listening to a story encourages
  children to create the characters and settings in their own minds.
• Builds empathy. Stories allow children to experience life through someone else's eyes and
  introduce them to people, cultures, feelings, and situations different from their own.
• Creates community in the classroom. Everyone is experiencing the same story together.
  It gives children something to laugh about, wonder about, and discuss together.
• Benefits children at every reading level. A child may be able to understand a much more
  sophisticated story than they can read independently. Reading aloud gives all children
  access to richer literature.

All church members should be aware that the United Methodist Church Book of Resolutions emphasizes the importance of supporting public education outreach programs, particularly the ones that benefit immigrant, minority, and low-income populations all of which are at higher risk for not achieving ultimate potentials.

There is always a need for more Reading Buddy volunteers! A Reading Buddy must complete a Background Check from the Northside Independent School District website. After completion, a classroom assignment will be made. Age-appropriate books are available in the school library for temporary check out or select books from an abundant collection.

Generally, volunteers arrive early 10-15 minutes to make book selections. Then, at the appointed time, arrive at the designated classroom and read aloud to the class for 20-30 minutes. The Classroom Teacher will support you by always being in the classroom while you read. Then return the books to their checkout locations.

If this mission is calling you to participate, then please complete the Volunteer Signup form by clicking this link, or call the church office at 210-695-3761 for more information.