The Literacy Center of Milford is looking for volunteers to participate in the center’s two new “Superstar” child-focused literacy initiatives: The Superstar Reader After-school and Superstar Family Literacy Night programs.
Anyone who is motivated, ready to read aloud and open up the imagination of a child whose reading skills need strengthening, or are prepared to engage family members in their child’s learning activities, may find the opportunity rewarding.
“The center can supply the books, reading-involved games, and activities, as well as a safe and fun place in which to read for a child who requires extra coaching — either individually or together with family members,” said Tami Jackson, the center’s executive director. “All we need are enthusiastic volunteers with gusto to read and who are willing to devote their energy and time for several hours a week in taking kids to their next literacy step.”
The Superstar Reader After-school Program focuses on the individual middle school-age student who struggles with reading, and requires additional instruction.
After-school “reading time” will be from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday at West Shore Middle School.
The Superstar Family Literacy Night Program engages both family and student together, underscoring research-backed evidence that literacy begins in the home.
“Parents and family members are a child’s first teacher, and this program literally drives home this message,” said Jackson. “We bring parents or family members into a student’s world of books, storytelling, and educational play so that they will be able to incorporate this learning experience in their daily routine at home.”
The family program will be held on a designated weekday evening in February at the West Shore Middle School. During a 90-minute session, families and their kids will rotate between a variety of specialized activity-based stations, which include book talk, game board, task-performance reading, and story telling venues.
All prospective volunteer tutors will be interviewed by the center’s staff. No prior experience is required. Also, staffers will be available at all times to assist volunteers for both programs.
The Literacy Center of Milford is a non-profit organization that provides services at no cost to any individual who wishes to learn the English language or enhance their reading, writing, speaking and math skills necessary to lead productive lives in the community.
For further information on the center’s new Superstar Child Reader After-school and Superstar Family Literacy Night tutoring programs call 203-878-4800.