I'm a Reading Buddy!

Across the nation, in schools in every type of community, you can find adults or older kids helping the little ones read.  Not as a teacher or parent but as a Reading Buddy!  This exciting program is an excellent way to not only help kids read, but to also build other literacy skills like speaking and listening.

The concept is quite simple.  Students are paired with adults or older kids. The Reading Buddy either reads to or with their student.  Many schools and districts have programs in place so that volunteers can sign up online, complete an application and background check.  Upon being cleared, the fun can begin! 

I am a summer Reading Buddy to two phenomenal second graders!  They are participating in a summer reading camp at a local elementary school.  Today they each were allowed to choose two books to keep and take home.  I enjoyed watching their excitement as they perused the tables of colorful book selections!  We started our reading today with one of the books that they chose.  It was fun for me and they seemed to really enjoy the one-on-one attention. 

If you are not already a Reading Buddy, check with your local school district to find out the process.  Now is a great time to inquire and then you can be set to begin when school resumes in the fall.  I promise you will not regret it!  Happy Reading!

What's your Favorite Genre?

When it comes to reading selections, our choices are many!  So what's your flavor?  A spicy, romance novel, a wildly adventurous Sci-Fi read, or maybe a light, and comical screen play (yes, screen plays can be read also!)?  The three broad classifications of literature, or genres, are drama, comedy and action-adventure.  The lines are blurred within all genres and there is much overlap.  Still as a reader,  how do you select your next book?  What's your favorite genre?

Classifying books by genre helps readers select stories that will keep them engaged! Are you surprised to know that Action/Adventure is the best selling genre?  It is also my favorite! I love that there is such variety within action/adventure. Think of the many teen novels such as the Hunger Games and the Twilight series or the many James Patterson novels which I absolutely love!  These books must have strong characters that draw the reader in.  Even more important is the well-woven plot with convincing conflicts that keep the story moving at a fast pace.  Dialogue is kept simple and is often direct and even obvious.  I enjoy this aspect because it makes for an easy, free-flowing read.

Within the action-adventure genre, there is also mystery, suspense and thrillers.  Growing up, my favorite author was Stephen King.  His thrillers such as Cujo and Christine gave me many hours of reading pleasure!

So what's your favorite genre?  Whatever it is I hope you are reading this summer and encouraging the young people in your life to do the same!  Happy Reading!

What about Writing?

Truly the term "literacy" has a number of definitions but there is no doubt that writing is an important literacy skill.  Writing well is not just an option for young people - it is a must!  Along with reading comprehension, writing skill is a predictor of academic success and a general necessity for functioning in civic life.  Unfortunately, many young people in the U.S. are unable to write at the most basic levels required by colleges and employers.

There is no shortage of data that reiterates this travesty. 

• According to the Alliance for Excellent Education (2006), every school day 7,000 young people drop out of schools, many of them because they lack the basic literacy skills to meet the increasing demands of the high school curriculum. 
• Seventy percent of students in grades 4-12 are low-achieving writers (Persky et al, 2003). 
• Nearly one third of high school graduates are not ready for college-level English composition (ACT, 2005).
• Poorly written applications are likely to doom candidates' chances for employment (National Commission on Writing, 2005).
• Thirty-five percent of high school graduates in college and 38% of high school graduates in the workforce feel their writing does not meet expectations for quality (Achieve, Inc, 2005).

Improving writing requires that one write!  Whether it's journaling, blogging or thank you notes, make it a point to write more and encourage the young people in your life to do the same.  Use complete sentences (no text abbreviations!) and use your imagination.  Write every day! 

Here is a link to an awesome site that gives some valuable strategies:  http://www.ehow.com/how_2111194_improve-writing-skills.html

The one tip from the above link that I love most emphasizes the need to read!  Reading and writing are so closely connected!  Reading expands your vocabulary which will also enhance writing skills.  Check out the link above and explore some of the other resources offered.  Writing well is such a valuable and necessary skill and practice makes perfect!  What have you written lately?  Please share and Happy Reading and Writing!