Volunteering Kidsread

I realised that something important was left out. That is what was learnt from Kidsread.

I'll relate in terms of how I'll do it differently this year. On the first session, I'll explain to parents the purpose of this program and what is expected of them. Got to make sure that they know the readers are volunteer so that they will be duely appreciated. Have to let them understand the importance of English and how the cultivation of reading interests will help their child go a long way. Finally, I'll urge all of them to sign all the children up for library membership, so that there won't be the nonsense of no library cards therefore don't borrow book anymore. Important.
For WRL, we'll open the door this time. Open-concept, so that parents can see what was being done; how their child are enjoying the program; how to emulate the readers if they want to. Doubly important!

With more volunteers this time, children will be grouped into 4s or 5s and have 2/3 fixed volunteers to them. Volunteers feel attached to the child, and vice versa. Everybody will be more engaged and have more personal attention both ways. Everyone will then look forward to the sessions.

Books have to be interesting. That's the staple of the program. Mrs Aw did a great selection of books for the program. I will need to supplement the range with more. And, more asian stories. Support asian writers.

There need to be active feedback to readers on their reading style. I found that it's hard to feedback directly, cos comments ususally don't come very pleasantly. So either the culture shall be set from the onset; or if not possible, a videocam would be most helpful! Readers have to keep asking questions about the book, any questions. Model the thought process by thinking aloud-verbalising their own thought. This encourages children tremendously in responding to the story.
First we want them to enjoy to be receptive of reading; second, to be able to read a little; third, to keep talking in the English language.

These, I shall work towards in the coming read-year.