RSVP’s Virtual Summer Reading program helps students avoid the summer slide
School buses may be off the roads, but that doesn’t mean that learning has ended.
There are more than 90 first- through fifth-grade students registered for RSVP’s Virtual Summer Reading program who will need a volunteer to spend 30 minutes once or twice a week coaching them by reading online books together.
This is the third year that RSVP is offering this virtual summer program to students.
The student and volunteer will meet via Zoom based on the pair’s schedule. If a volunteer’s schedule changes, it’s simple to select a new time slot. After sessions have been planned, scheduling software will send a few reminders to the pair before the planned session.
The student’s reading level has been logged into the e-book site Raz Level-Up Books, enabling the student to select a book, including many science book choices.
When children select a book that interests them, they receive the most benefit in reading comprehension, vocabulary, reading achievement and grammatical development. The book will appear on the screen and the student will read aloud to the volunteer.
The Raz program features a module that tracks the student’s progress, which can be shared with the teacher and parent.
Dana Hayne has been active in the elementary reading program since 2019. Although she misses interacting with the students in the classroom, she has adapted to the virtual format of the program as many classrooms were still not welcoming volunteers into schools.
“This is the most fulfilling thing I have done in a long
time,” Hayne said. “With the 30 minutes dedicated to each session, I had the opportunity to support the student in several ways, not just by helping them gain confidence in reading but also by listening to their stories and dreams and being able to encourage them.”
One student told Hayne that he wanted to be a basketball player so Hayne did some research and created a short story about Joel Embiid, center for the Philadelphia 76ers. She shared the story with the student, who was so happy that she took the time for him.
Another student she read with selected a book about death and dying that they read together. Afterward Hayne asked the student why he chose this book, and he responded that his father had just passed away.
“It’s easy to take a moment to connect with the student to form a trusting bond and it makes all the difference to the student,” Hayne said.
Jackie Matusow, RSVP’s reading program coordinator, reports that all students who participate make advances in reading.
“Reading just four to six books over the summer has the potential to prevent a decline in reading achievement
scores,” she said. “Even small steps are very beneficial.”
Hayne offers some advice to community members considering volunteering in this program.
“You should have a passion to share the joy of reading and gaining knowledge,” she said. “Each child is unique in their own way and it is so rewarding and important to acknowledge that uniqueness.”
RSVP’s Summer Reading program began on June 27 and runs through Aug. 11. Training will be provided for volunteers covering session booking, screen-sharing in Zoom, signing into the Raz Kids library and some tips on what a successful virtual session looks like.
To sign up as a volunteer, visit https://www.rsvpmc. org/virtual-literacy.
To sign up a student, visit https://www.rsvpmc.org/resources-for-parents.
For more information, visit www.rsvpmc.org.
Nonprofit RSVP’s programs improve the lives of vulnerable populations by focusing on education and wellness. For information on volunteering, visit rsvpmc.org, email volunteer123@rsvpmc.org or call 610-834-1040, ext. 123.