[Varda:] "Read to Me is an early literacy initiative that was developed in 2014 between
the Skokie Public Library and SCC Early Childhood Centers.
Through the initiative volunteers commit to regularly scheduled visits where they spend
time in the same classroom on a weekly basis reading, rocking, singing to, and playing
with the children in a one-on-one capacity."
[Partington:] "When children are read to frequently in an interactive way, in which they are active
learners in the process, this is one of the most effective ways that early literacy development
is cultivated.
When children experience books and reading within the context of trusted adult relationships
with caregivers, they associate reading and books with positive feelings and these positive
feelings are really important because they then serve as a key motivation for helping
children when they have to do the hard work of decoding print when they're learning to
read."
[Manzanero: ] "As a teacher we read to the whole class.
We have very little time to be one-on-one with kids.
I feel like just that relationship they build with the reader over time and it's like every
time they come it's like they're so excited, they're 'I want to be first,' and then the
kids really, they are eager to go with read with them 'cause it's like that one-on-one
time that is very special to them."
[Arellano:] "I think that what excites me most about the Read to Me program is that
everyone likes to be read to.
It provides a very comforting experience.
It's always important for me to see a child smiling when they're enjoying a good book,
and for that experience to be with another person who's also equally enjoying that book."
[Varda:] "The volunteers have been very responsive and in tune with the children's requests for
certain types of stories, whether they're tied to the themes that they're working on
within the classrooms and their curriculum, or whether a child has just expressed an interest."
[Grossmann:] "It's very respectful of the child to listen to them and to bring them
a book that they're requesting.
It empowers them and they feel empowered.
They feel heard, and I think that's really important because often children in school
might feel that they're being told--and their behavior is controlled all day and they're
being told what to do, but here's one place where they can request something that they're
interested in and the next week, magically, here it is!"
[Partington:] "The volunteer team is at the heart of Read to Me, and its key to the program's
success.
Skokie Public Library is very fortunate to have a team of dedicated volunteers who bring
a wealth of expertise to the table.
It takes a special type of person to work with very young children.
Someone who's patient, nurturing, willing to be silly, and also interested in child
development."
[Schousboe:] "What I enjoy most is probably the enthusiasm and the excitement that the
kids have when I show up.
Seeing the kids enjoyment, seeing the kids enthusiasm, seeing them having a good time--that
to me is the most exciting, the most thrilling part.
They're so excited, they want to get to the songs, the rhymes, they want to read the books,
they're just so thrilled about the whole thing, and that is what really, what really inspires
me: when the kids catch fire."
[Yost:] "I get so much out of being involved in the Read to Me program because the children
just take such joy in hearing words and being involved in imagination and concepts, and
I know that learning is going on but it is also a great deal of fun, and that is how
children learn when they're that age."
[Kornbluth:] "What I enjoy most are the children.
I particularly enjoy seeing them evolve.
What's amazing about reading--it's not just reading in terms of helping advance you with
schoolwork but the world is open to children.
They learn about different countries, about different people."
[Varda:] "Benefits of the Read to Me program include something as simple as our youngest
babies having an earlier understanding of how to use print materials, for example how
to hold the book, how to turn the pages, how to orient the book.
And we've even noticed that through the relationship they've built with the readers, they've become
so much more comfortable in their relationship with them and they understand that when they
see a book or they can select a book and naturally go over and sit on the floor next to the reader
on their own or climb into their lap, just having another person in your life that really
cares about you on a personal level and is dedicated to being there for you and making
you smile and laugh throughout the day is such an invaluable thing."
[Partington:] "Skokie Public Library is committed to working with community organizations to
identify the organization's aspirations and then together building a stronger Skokie community.
Read to Me gives Skokie Public Library an opportunity to share the gift and joy of reading
beyond its walls."
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