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.
Contact information:
English program: readingpals@rdpl.org
French program: frenchreadingpals@rdpl.org
Now Seeking Volunteers!
We are currently seeking volunteers for TWO different literacy programs! Read on for details, and contact readingpals@rdpl.org for more information or to apply.
Reading Pals Volunteers
Working with students in elementary school.Â
2023 Winter Reading Pals 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 Volunteers
Working with students in middle school and high school.Â
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).
Volunteering: Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many great reasons to volunteer for this essential literacy program! You will:
- Serve as a role model to children in the community.
- 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.
Set your child up for success!
Get access to everything that the library has to offer! Free for all Red Deer residents.
Homework Help & Learning Tools
Fountas & Pinnell Booklists
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient is an organizational system using A-Z+ to assist with guided reading for children. The goal of F&P is to support reading development with established levels of materials to ensure the success of students. Click on the letters below for leveled booklists with Red Deer Public Library items. These lists are meant to be a guide to assist families with selecting materials and understanding the differences in content.
Book Bundles
Reading Pals Book Bundles
Online Homework Help Resources
TumbleMath
Solaro
Novelist K-8 Plus
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!
