One of the most complex human tasks is learning to read and write. We at VOH recognize this all too well. Back in fall of 2008 we implemented a number of changes to increase the literacy experiences of our students through the then-newly formed Ready 2 Read program. As we continue into 2010, we thought it would be good to keep you up to date on the program’s progress over the last year and a half…

Our library was updated and organized into a more user friendly environment. The book inventory went from approximately one thousand to over four thousand (a four-fold increase!) While restructuring the library, our attention was also on our students. An intensive effort was mobilized to give each one an informal reading inventory (IRI) assessment. During the fall of 2008 one hundred students from Pre-K to 4^th grade were tested, while in the summer of 2009 over one hundred and fifty students from Pre-K to 8^th grade were tested.

In our fall screening, we discovered a startling statistic: among the twenty-nine first graders that were tested, five were found to be on grade level and the other twenty-four below grade level. An intensive Phonics class was initiated as a result of our findings. This class has grown from seven to an average of twenty students per week. We have also included various enrichment activities such as chess, dancing, knitting and crocheting.

We have also seen significant parent participation. We have had two Family Reading Nights so far, one in the spring of 2009 and one in the fall of 2009. These events created a place and time for parents to come and participate in reading activities with their children. Like the saying, “a family that prays together stays together,” it is our hope that the family that reads together learns together. Our Family Reading Nights were both smashing successes, and it was great to see parents engaged in their children’s education.

The following is a sample of what students have said about the reading program at VOH:

Question: How has story time helped you?

1^st Grader: Ashley - “Sometimes there are words that I do not know. I ask what it means, and she tells me.”

3^rd Grader: Rafael - “It has helped me read better.”

4^th Grader: Raymond - “They help me learn words I never heard.”

Question: What do you like about the Saturday Program?

1^st Grader: Christian - “It is the best reading program I ever came to.”

2^nd Grader: Ashanti - “I like knitting a lot.”

2^nd Grader: Jamaya - “I love [the] volunteers [who] help me.”

This is what Catherine, a 2009 summer volunteer, said about the program:

“After two summers of work at the VOH library, I feel that I can make a change… I feel honored to have helped grow and make this… a better place for many children.”

So get Ready 2010 - Ready 2 Read!