Making of the MuralBooster: one that boosts as an enthusiastic supporter – Merriam – Webster
Overview: Community volunteers meet with first graders one afternoon per week, 3:15- 4pm. Each volunteer is paired with a first grader who is in need of reading practice and serves as that student’s Reading Booster for the length of the term (approx. Oct. – May). Students and their Reading Boosters meet together for about 40 minutes to share books and related activities. The overall time commitment is once a week, from Oct. or Nov. through May, except DCPS holidays and breaks.
Location:
John Eaton Elementary School
3301 Lowell Street, NW (Macomb & 34th)
Washington, D.C. 20008
www.eatondc.org
Some Details:
- Volunteers meet students in the library (3rd floor); some tutoring pairs work in that space, though some work in classrooms as space allows.
- Each Booster meets with the same student each week so that a familiarity, trust and rapport can be developed.
- An informal orientation is provided to first-time Boosters by Eaton’s literacy specialist, Mark Lewis.
Volunteer Reading Mentors will:
- Successfully complete a TB test, DCPS fingerprint background check and the DCPS Volunteer Application, which can be downloaded at:
www.dcps.dc.gov- Go to Parents & Community
- Select Volunteer in our Schools
- See Download and complete the Volunteer Application
The volunteer coordinator can also provide you with a paper application. DCPS volunteer clearance is valid for two years.
- Arrive on tutoring days by 3:15pm to prepare for students and check-in. After tutoring, volunteers escort students to aftercare (JEAP) or to the Lowell St. entrance to meet his/her caregiver.
- Be prepared to:
- Attend as regularly as possible, since children this age depend on consistency/predictability. If you will miss a session, please let the coordinator know in advance.
- Give the student your full attention during your time together
- Help student practice “sight/heart words”
- Do a loosely structured reading activity with the student
- Read aloud or share reading of a pleasure book and engage student in conversation about the book.
- Consult periodically with student’s classroom teacher and/or literacy specialist for advice, updates on student’s progress.
- Be patient (especially in the beginning), encouraging and positive.
Volunteer Coordinator will:
- Greet tutors and encourage them to sign-in, help them find materials.
- Set-up a snack for the students at the start of each tutoring session (e.g., water and pretzels).
- Make sure supplies and books are in place for the start of the tutoring session.
- Make sure the workspace is tidy and neat and supplies are put away after tutoring is over.
Students will:
- Come to the Reading Booster session, possibly with a book to be read aloud (or for shared reading).
- Be polite and ready to read!
First Grade Teachers will:
- Identify students in need of extra literacy experiences and who are appropriate for this program.
- Coordinate permission forms (send them home, collect them, etc.).
- Consult with tutors periodically to offer advice, suggestions, updates.
- Encourage students to be polite and ready for their Reading Booster session.
Literacy Specialist will:
- Provide an orientation before program starts
- Provide workbooks or other materials for structured reading
- Be available for consultation with tutors
- Provide support in working with the student, if needed, and give tutor feedback on student’s reading level and progress
Please contact us if you are interested in more information about being a John Eaton Reading Booster!
Jeanie Mah, Volunteer Coordinator
msjcmyu1@gmail.com / (202) 363-6885 – h / (202) 361-4581 – cell