About Red Deer Public Library's Reading Pals Program
What is the Reading Pals Program?
The Reading Pals program provides free direct help to elementary children who are experiencing difficulties with reading through fun activities and tutoring sessions. Tutors work one-on-one or two-on-one with students on a variety of activities to assist in the development or improvement of reading, writing and comprehension skills, including buddy reading, phonics/grammar/spelling, and games. Our tutors are typically volunteers or hired students with experience in education/working with children.
Thank you to the Red Deer Firefighters’ Children's Charities and private donations for their continued support.
Now Seeking Volunteers!
Reading Pals
2023 Winter Program
We are welcoming volunteers back to tutor for this winter's upcoming program! Meet twice a week for over a three week session in February and/or March at the Dawe Branch.
Tutors will work one-on-one or two-on-one with students on a variety of activities to assist in the development or improvement of reading, writing and comprehension skills, including buddy reading, phonics/grammar/spelling, and games. Training and resources are provided.
Commitment:Â
Two sessions run for three weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (student A) and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (student B) for a total of six hours with each student. Volunteers must be committed to an entire session and can tutor for more than one session. Tutors are required to prepare for their tutoring sessions, as well as clean up for each day. Cumulative hours for tutoring and prep average around 10 per session.
Session Dates:
Session 1: February 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Session 2: March 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23
Youth Literacy Program
New Volunteer Opportunity!
Do you enjoy working with youth and want to share your love of reading and ESL instruction in tutoring sessions? Become a Reading Pals Youth Literacy tutor helping middle and high school English learners master reading comprehension and academic vocabulary! This new program provides free direct help to youth in Grades 6-12, who are experiencing difficulties with reading comprehension and academic vocabulary through fun and tutoring sessions.
Commitment:
1-2 hours a week from February to May 2023 in a library branch of convenience. Volunteers must be committed to an entire session. Once matched a student and a tutor select the day and time that is mutually convenient during the library opening hours. Tutors are also required to prepare for their tutoring sessions, as well as clean up for each day. Cumulative hours for tutoring and prep average around 24 - 40 per session (February - May 2023).
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Why should you volunteer?
- Serve as a role model.
- Work with children to improve their literacy skills and boost their confidence, thereby contributing to the improvement of literacy in the community.
- Foster an enthusiasm for learning in the minds of young students.
- Acquire important skills and volunteer experience to enhance your resume.
Who can volunteer?
Qualifications:
- Enjoy working with:
- Grades 1-5 for Reading Pals
- Grades 6-12 for Youth Literacy
- Sensitive to the needs of students, including English language learners
- Outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic
- Strong English language skills (spelling, grammar, pronunciation)
Requirements
- 16+ years of age (parent/guardian permission required under 18)
- Committed to the full program length
- Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
Should you have any questions regarding tutoring, please contact Tatiana Tilly at ttilly@rdpl.org.
General Program Questions?
English program: readingpals@rdpl.org
French program: frenchreadingpals@rdpl.org
Looking for more literacy resources to use at home?
Check out the Reading Pals website for resources geared towards emergent and struggling readers (including free printables!).
Find it all at rdplreadingpals.wordpress.com!
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