Reading Buddies seek volunteers for Norwalk elementary schools

NORWALK, Conn. — Volunteers are invited to join the Reading Buddies program in the Norwalk Public Schools. All it takes is a desire to help third graders improve their reading and a commitment of one hour per week.

Entering its fifth year, the Reading Buddies program operates in all elementary schools. Close to 170 children were served last year by 60 volunteers.

Volunteers work with small groups of third graders for one hour a week to help improve their skills. Using books and materials chosen by Norwalk’s reading specialists, Buddies read with groups of 2-3 children. Training and coordination are provided by the Norwalk Education Foundation (NEF) and the Norwalk Public Schools.

Classroom teachers choose the children for the program who are solid readers but not quite at grade level. Buddies focus on improving children’s fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Reading scores in Norwalk’s schools have improved since the low point after COVID-19, but they have not yet returned to pre-COVID levels.

“Our kids are hurting,” said Marge Costa, Executive Director of the NEF. “We wanted to build a program that would bring the whole community – parents, grandparents, retirees, people with flexible working hours – into our schools to help our kids succeed.”

Last year’s group of Buddies reflected that goal. A mixture of men and women, retirees and parents, former teachers and people from many different careers, Reading Buddies all cared about Norwalk’s children. Although most have committed to returning this fall, some cannot.

“Anyone can be a Buddy,” said Costa. “All you need is to love working with kids and one hour per week.” Spanish-speaking Buddies are needed in every school.

Third grade is considered a pivotal year for children. They have learned the basics of reading but sometimes struggle to understand the text. Studies show that if a child is not reading at grade level in third grade, he will continue to struggle throughout his years in school and after.

To volunteer, click on this form. A training session will be held on Sept. 14 at 10:30 am in the Norwalk Public Library on Belden Avenue, and the program will begin the week of Oct. 19.

For more information, please contact Roz McCarthy by email, rozmcc2@gmail.com.