Volunteer Reading Coaches Nov 2013

The purposes of the Literacy Alive project is to improve reading levels in targetted primary schools. A unique dimension of the project is the recruitment and training of community volunteers to assist teachers in the classroom during an assigned Reading block of study for one hour four times a week. These Reading Coach volunteers receive training on specific reading interventions and under the direct guidance of the classroom teacher they work with small groups of children on drill and practice reading strategies so that the classroom teacher can work with a second group of students on different reading strategies. This provides increased adult support for reading for at least two groups of students in a classroom. The most recent phase of the project began last November with approximately fifty Reading Coaches receiving training and recognition certificates of completion. This week additional Reading Coaches are being recruited and trained. School principals and teachers as well as Parent Councils assist in recruiting volunteers. The first five months of the project has demonstrated notable improvements in literacy awareness by Belize teachers and the community.