School Reaps Benefits From Reading Program

School officials at Jefferson Elementary believe they now have a beneficial program that boosts reading skills among pupils.

And not only are students participating with the "Hand and Hand Together We Can" program, but they're willingly giving up recess time to stay involved.

School librarian Mona Steiner began the program in spring 1998 and said she has been amazed at the various results she has seen over the years.

In an attempt to increase student literary skills more than seven years ago, the school received permission from parents to bring in 25 volunteers to read to participants during lunch and recess time.

Certain students were selected by teachers, and with the student's approval, were placed into the program.

One volunteer was assigned a student, and for 35-50 minutes a week, the two would interact through books and conversation. The two would meet in October, and the interaction would last until April, when students have their spring break.

"Reading is the main objective," Steiner said. "But we've found through the years that other objectives are met through reading such as self-esteem and social skills."

The program's volunteers currently number 55, and students are increasingly finding interest with being given what they now call a "reading buddy." Steiner now allows games to be played between partners after she witnessed the benefits of positive social interaction.

"Not only is it good for the students, but it's good for the readers, too," Steiner said. "People that volunteer are able to touch these kid's lives and that's what important."

Principal Dennis Duncan supports the program and said ISTEP test results show a significant increase in reading skills since the program's origin.

"In general, the kids in this program have benefited greatly," Duncan said. "The inter-personal relations is a very positive experience."

Through the hours of the reading buddies' time together, Steiner witnessed volunteers ranging from college students to a 92-year-old. Field trips, year-long chess matches, woodworking and story writing are just a few of the other activities participated in besides the reading that takes place.

Students appear to be enjoying themselves, even if they are initially hesitant to the idea.

"I felt scared about the person I had to meet," fourth-grader Mitch Shriver, 9, said. "But after I met him and found out he was cool, then it was really neat.

"I'm enjoying reading much more, and I'm getting better at it."

Other students agree.

"It's a lot of fun," fifth-grader Jon Carvajal, 11, said. "We get to talk about what we did, read books I haven't heard of, and understand bigger words."

When asked about giving up recess time, surprisingly no one seemed to mind.

"I have all day to be outside," fifth-grader Alex Lopez, 11, said. "I'd rather have help with my homework."

"Education is better than being outside and playing," Shriver said.

Though the program continues to grow, Steiner said volunteers are greatly needed to meet the need of interested students. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact her at 574-267-7361 or e-mail msteiner@warsaw12.in.us

"A reader is so special to students because it's their reading buddy, someone just for them," Steiner said. "We stress reading, but sometimes reading isn't as important."