Motivating Children to Read

Ready…Set…Read!!! nurtures the motivation to read among preschool and elementary school children. Research confirms that student motivation is a key factor in successful reading. We have a vision of the future where all children love to read and have books of their own to enjoy.

Our volunteers provide one-on-one reading support to preschool children at Growing Minds and elementary students at Juniper School in Escondido. Volunteers meet weekly in students’ classrooms – sitting side by side …… reading and talking together about the books children have selected to read.

Program funds make it possible for:

• Volunteers to deliver gifts of books twice each year to students
• An author of children’s books to visit school campuses and to present fun and interesting assemblies for all students. The author also visits classrooms and meets with students and teachers. These visits stimulate students’ interest in reading and writing. Volunteers help prepare for the author’s visit.

What skills are needed to participate in this program?

If you enjoy interacting with children and sharing a love of reading, this is the program for you! Volunteers need no teaching experience. Just a positive, encouraging attitude is all that is necessary. As one volunteer commented, “This is such a rewarding program. Listening to children read makes my heart sing.”

What do teachers say about Ready…Set…Read!!! volunteers?

“How do you thank someone for building self-esteem and fostering a sense of confidence and self-reliance in a group of 7 year olds? Every kind word and thoughtful gesture has been soaked up like a ray of sunshine.” T. Wallace, Juniper School