Read
to Me
Chair: Ralph Williams & Edward MacMillan
Co-Chair: Edward MacMillan Volunteer as a Reader
For many years, Rotarians have been active in efforts to reduce illiteracy. Close to a billion people worldwide lack the most basic literacy and numeracy skills. Many more are functionally illiterate, lacking the skills necessary to meet the demands of everyday life.
The ability to read and write and do simple math is not only critical to progress and prosperity, it is necessary for the very survival of individuals in a modern society. Those who cannot read and write will always be on the periphery of prosperity in our nation.
Literacy is not just a third-world problem. The number of functionally illiterate in the Greenville area is startling. The National Institute for Literacy reports that 20% of the adults in Greenville County function at 5th grade level or below in reading and math. Statewide, that number climbs to 25%. There are homes without books, magazines and newspapers in Greenville. There are homes in which parents are working two jobs and they have no time to read to their children. Children in these homes experience a “poverty of words”, hearing approximately 600 words a day compared to 2150 words a day in a professional home. A nationwide study revealed that 40% of fathers NEVER read to children.
As reading is the vehicle for learning in school, some children enter school unprepared for success. Because we know that 90% of the brain’s growth occurs from birth to 5 years of age, language development of all children must be a priority. One of the primary findings in A Nation of Readers is that “The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.”
The Literacy and Numeracy Committee of the Rotary Club of Greenville is focused on improving both literacy and numeracy skills through two programs: Rotary Read to Me and Money Smart. The club is also sponsoring “Kids, Moms and Dads” community events to encourage parents to read to their children and to further tweak children’s interest in reading.
Dr. Sara Mansbach created the Rotary "Read to Me" Program in 1995. Dr. Judith Prince chaired the program 2003 through 2005, revitalized it and has led the way to today’s success. Rotary Readers are reading aloud to children in ten (soon to be twelve) child development centers and almost 400 children are being read to this year. Readers are focusing on the fun of reading aloud to children, emphasizing the importance of reading in future success and a longer attention span through words, pictures, and stories. Most of all, they are providing role models and showing that reading is fun!
Readers are reading at Serenity Place (Greg Chasteen, Team Leader); Tommie C. Brooks Head Start Center (Charles Warne, Team Leader); Parker Head Start Center (Adam Brickner, Team Leader), Northwest Crescent Day Care Center (Greg Williams, Team Leader, (Judson YWCA Child Development Center (Gally Gallivan, Team Leader); St. Anthony’s Catholic School (Welch Bostick, Team Leader); Phyllis Wheately After School Program, (Marnie Eva Schwartz, Team Leader) There are four teams reading at Overbrook Child Development Center: Team One (Scott Dishman, Team Leader); Team Two (Jeff Jackson, Team Leader); Team Three (Ralph Williams, Team Leader) and Team Four (Stevi Cordie, Team Leader). There are more than 50 Rotary Readers reading aloud to children at these sites.
Prior to beginning to read, Rotary readers participated in a training program focused on the importance of reading in stimulating language development and on successful techniques for reading aloud. Every reader was provided a Rotary Book Bag with age-appropriate books. Every reader has a name badge that identifies them as a Rotary Read-to-Me volunteer. Every reader has access to Big Books which enable children in groups to see pictures and words.
Each reading site has been provided with a tub of age-appropriate books, and the books in these tubs will be rotated throughout the year to supply all readers with new books. Children at each site will be given free books three times during the 2009-10 reading year. These are books that children are to take home, and each book will have a note for families about reading tips. Books will be provided for distribution at the beginning of the reading year, in December, and at the end of the school year.
Charles Warne has been a Rotary Reader for several years. He says, “The joy of seeing children learn from reading is profound. You receive much more than you give in this program.” Edward MacMillan, a new Rotary Reader, says, “Reading is an exciting adventure.” Another reader says that "Everyone should have the privilege of starting their day with such a positive and uplifting experience as reading aloud to children. "
