Kids get virtual reading help from RSVP and United Way
RSVP has retooled two reading programs, one for preschoolers and one for elementary students, to link children with volunteer tutors online. The nonprofit is piloting both programs this summer and could substantially expand them when school resumes in September.
“We’re preparing for the fall,” said Michele Moll, RSVP’s executive director. “No matter how schools reopen, they will have restrictions on outsiders coming in. Through these programs, we can add value and provide resources from home.”
In previous years, RSVP volunteers have gone to schools to tutor nearly 700 preschool kids in partnership with Head Start, and some 1,900 students in grades K-5 through the America Reads program.
The new virtual version of these programs link volunteers and students using desktop, laptop or tablet computers in their homes. They include:
The Virtual Family Literacy Program for children ages 3-5 uses a Scholastic program called BookFlix that pairs a fiction and nonfiction book. For example, after the volunteer and child read “Monkeys and Other Animals,” the child is treated to the story “Curious George Rides a Bike.”
“‘Curious George’ is the hook,” said Julie Brown, an RSVP literacy coordinator. “After you’re finished reading about monkeys and have a lesson about beginning sounds and punctuation, the ‘Curious George’ story reinforces that books are fun and their entertainment value is unmatched.”
The early readers receive two 20-minute tutoring sessions per week.
Volunteers must pass all clearances required by the state of Pennsylvania, including criminal and child abuse background checks. Online training and tips to help improve students’ emergent reading skills are provided to volunteers.
“We explain the nuts and bolts of how they connect with the student, how to read with them and make the most of the experience,” Brown said. “We also offer to do practice sessions.”
RSVP provides both the student and tutor with a Zoom meeting link. The student’s parents have been coached on how to call up and share the reading material with the volunteer.
The Virtual Reading Program uses a United Way-developed platform, Vello, to provide kids in grades 1-5 with a selection of books matched to their reading level in a learning program called Raz-Kids. Together, a student