AISD Literacy MENtors is a reading initiative to increase children’s success in school through read-aloud experiences with caring volunteers while at the same time encouraging male involvement in our schools. Through this initiative, male reading volunteers commit one hour, once per month, to read a book to a class of third-grade students.
Theory of Action
Reading aloud is the foundation for literacy development. Reading aloud provides the encouragement and motivation to read. Reading role models are important in this effort for children as they develop their reading interests. Studies show that frequent readers have more role models who enjoy reading (82%), versus infrequent readers, only 34% of whom report that they have people surrounding them who enjoy reading (Scholastic, 2019). Reading role models can instill in children a love of reading, introduce new genres, and help them find books they like, thereby increasing their motivation to read.
THE PROGRAM WORKS by recruiting, selecting, and assigning mentors to selected Title I schools. Mentors commit to at least one hour once a month between October and April to read to a classroom of students. In May, children will celebrate their classroom Literacy MENtor.
THE PROGRAM’S PURPOSE is reinforced in its four principles:
- Reading is fun.
- Reading aloud positively impacts children learning to read.
- Literacy knowledge and skills lay the foundation for reading and writing.
- Community involvement matters.
Literacy MENtor VOLUNTEERS come from many Austin area businesses and are community members across the greater Austin area. Additionally, through our community partners, participating students receive a copy of the book read to them each month to grow a home library.
READING DATES are tentatively scheduled for the fourth Thursday of the month beginning in October through April. Each school site will work with its MENtor as needed for scheduling reading dates.
Target: 3rd grade classes at select Title I Schools
Participating Schools: Andrews, Campbell, Pecan Springs, Oak Springs, Govalle, and Barrington, Wooldridge, Norman-Sims, Harris, Odom, Padron, Pickle, Blackshear, Brown, Langford, Perez, Widen
Dates:
Training for Literacy Mentors
October 19, 2022 - 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Volunteer Dates (Dates and times are flexible and will be finalized with the campus teacher after volunteer assignment)
- October 27, 2022
- November 17, 2022
- December 15, 2022
- January 26, 2023
- February 16, 2023
- March 23, 2023
- April 27, 2023
Celebration in May TBD
Interested volunteers may sign up here.