One of the most powerful indicators for early literacy is the development of a love for books. When volunteers spend time reading together, writing together, and learning together, that love begins to grow.
Through the We Read Together volunteer initiative, community members step into schools to read alongside students in grades Pre-k to 2. Volunteers serve not only as reading partners, but mentors that help students build confidence, foster relationships and spark progress to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom.
“Theres’s a real benefit to reading, but there’s likewise a real benefit in the relationship,” says Andy Rooker, a We Read Together volunteer. “You can make a difference for one child and it’ll be a real benefit to both you and them.”
To further promote access to quality books and a fun way to provide an incentive, book vending machines are located at the We Read Together schools, allowing students to take home a brand new book to bring home.
Currently, ten RISD elementary schools are part of the program. Campuses include:
- Audelia Creek Elementary
- Carolyn Bukhair Elementary
- Dover Elementary
- Hamilton Park Pacesetter Magnet
- Mark Twain Elementary
- Northlake Elementary
- Northrich Elementary
- Richland Elementary
- RISD Academy
- Stults Road Elementary
Sonya Parker Goode, the RISD Director of Community Engagement says, “We Read Together continues to be one of the most meaningful examples of community impact in Richardson ISD. This program may have started as an opportunity to support literacy, but it has grown into something much greater-it’s a powerful connection between our students and the caring adults who consistently show up to encourage, equip, and empower them. We are deeply grateful for the WE Read Together volunteers and everyone else who continues to say “YES” to our students.”
Community members who are interested in getting involved can apply on the RISD We Read Together webpage.
