THE BORN TO READ VOLUNTEER READER PROGRAM

The Born to Read Volunteer Reader Program, a partnership with the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP), recruits and trains caring adults who are interested in reading aloud to children and bringing other forms of literacy support to child care providers. Volunteers typically read aloud once a week to children 5 years old and younger in small family day care homes, as well as larger centers. Through reading, singing, playing games, and other activities, volunteer readers offer the kind of stimulating, early literacy experience that all children need in their formative years.

You can make lots of mistakes, but if you give children avenues for creativity and joy, they will have resources to carry them through. Charlotte Davis Kasl Finding Joy

Volunteer readers from the Born to Read program truly make a difference in the lives of Maine's youngest children. Child care providers consistently report dramatic, positive changes in children's behavior and literacy skills, due to the regular involvement of a volunteer reader. These significant changes include:
· increased attention span
· improved conversational skills with peers and adults
· increased interest in books and literature
· improved ability to express themselves
· increased vocabulary development
· increased self-confidence.

But by far the most frequent observation made by teachers and caregivers is of the impact in the connections created between young children and older adults.

One volunteer explained the development of such a relationship: "There was a little girl, about 3 or 4 years old, who said nothing. She'd experienced a bunch of family tragedies. Said no and frowned all the time. As time went on, she began to speak a little bit. One day she said, 'Come here and read, Nancy.' She asked me to read a certain book. Slowly, her arm came around me. Later, the day care provider told me how the little girl's language was progressing."

Volunteers benefit from their connection with young children, too. A child care provider explained, "In today's large world, families often live far away from grandparents. Because these two ages [preschoolers and senior citizens] are 'magical' together, it's wonderful to provide a venue for them to interact." And a volunteer noted, "The hour I spend reading on Friday mornings to these preschool children gives me the chance to escape into a world filled with wonder, joy, and spontaneity."

• Denise Pendleton
  Program Director
  dpendle@mainehumanities.org
  

• Brita Zitin
  Program Assistant
  brita@mainehumanities.org