What is ReadingPals?

ReadingPals is a statewide early literacy initiative that provides volunteer mentors for students from Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) to 3rd grade who may need extra help, utilizing one-on-one or small group settings.

ReadingPals is managed by The Children’s Movement of Florida and administered through 16 United Ways — with the help of numerous community partners across the state.

 

Our ReadingPals program mentors continue working to improve the reading skills of students in Leon County.

 

ReadingPals relies on hundreds of volunteers every year to read one-to-one with students who have been identified as struggling readers.

  • Mentors are matched one-to-one with students in VPK through third grade

  • Mentors report for one hour a week during the school year

  • Mentors choose the school and the day that best fit their schedule

  • Mentors use a curriculum created by LCS District and UWBB that is tailored to children’s reading needs

  • Mentors present each student with a brand new book every week

  • Mentors receive training from UWBB and the school district (includes background screening)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VtVldsrZtU

What do we hope to achieve?

MENTORING: To build genuine, impactful relationships between students and volunteer mentors.

EARLY LITERACY: To guide and reinforce students’ love of reading.

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: To help support a strong social-emotional foundation through  self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

For more information and to register to become a ReadingPals volunteer, please contact Samantha Sager, at samantha@uwbb.org or 850-414-0856