Rolling Readers USA Inc.

Program: Read-Aloud Program

Program Description:

Research tells us that reading to children can improve their vocabulary skills and enhance their interest in reading. Our belief in this power of reading to children is the basis for the Read-Aloud Program,the cornerstone of Rolling Readers. Each week Rolling Readers’ volunteers read aloud to preschool through sixth grade students in an assigned classroom. The volunteers become an integrated member of the classroom setting by spending time reading to the same children for an entire school year. Reading sessions stimulate a child’s natural curiosity and intellect, promote early literacy skills, and instill a love of learning and books. What’s more, the volunteers provide school teachers with much-needed classroom support. While a Rolling Readers volunteer is reading aloud to a classroom, a teacher is able to devote time to other important activities, such as preparing for the next lesson, giving one-on-one attention to a student, or simply being able to observe her children while they are being read to. Teachers have told us time and again how valuable this “down time” is in helping them be more effective throughout the day.

Program Long-Term Success:

For all children in San Diego County to have an equal opportunity to become literate, fully contributing members of society.

Program Short-Term Success:

Increased literacy and enjoyment of reading in the classrooms in which the program operates.

Program Success Monitored by:

Annual evaluative surveys completed by teachers and volunteers; oversight by the Rolling Readers Board of Directors' Program Committee; regular focus groups with stakeholders including students, parents and school administrators.

Program Success Examples:

Reports of increased interest and enthusiasm regarding books, reading and writing from students, teachers, volunteers and parents.

Program: Book Giveaway Program

Program Description:

The Book Giveaway, held twice a year, is the key to the Read-Aloud Program’s long-term impact on children. As expressed by David C. Harvey, president and CEO of the organization ProLiteracy, “Learning to read doesn’t take place in the classroom alone. [It] continues at the end of the school day when parents and caregivers reinforce the reading and comprehension skills developed in school.” Yet without appropriate books in the home, parents aren’t able to reinforce their children’s reading skills. Literacy advocates and experts agree that the biggest obstacle to literacy for our nation’s poorest children is lack of book ownership. Rolling Readers helps to remove this barrier by providing new, high-quality books for each child in the Read-Aloud Program and involving parents by promoting reading as a family activity. Rolling Readers distributes more than 18,000 books each year. The value of each and every book is immeasurable. According to recent research, parents who’ve been given a free children’s book are later four times more likely to report that looking at books with their children is a favorite activity, reading is a regular bedtime activity, or that they read aloud more than three times a week.

Program Long-Term Success:

Increased access to books for low-income and other at-risk children.

Program Short-Term Success:

Distribution of over 18,000 free books each year.

Program Success Monitored by:

Annual evaluative surveys completed by teachers and volunteers; oversight by the Rolling Readers Board of Directors' Program Committee; regular focus groups with stakeholders including students, parents and school administrators.

Program Success Examples:

Reports of increased interest and enthusiasm regarding books, reading and writing from students, teachers, volunteers and parents.