Impacting the Future One Child at a Time
Imagine a six year old boy walking into your home or classroom not knowing how to read without assistance from an adult - what would you do to help him? That little boy is Phil and he came to Freedom Readers, a United Way Community Partner, as one of their first scholars in the program. He was sent by his mother to the program because she wants to make sure he has access to all the educational opportunities out there.
Phil is an enthusiastic child; he is vibrant, energetic and full of life that adds excitement to his lessons. He began to work with one of the tutors, who is experienced in working with younger children Phil's age. She developed lessons that met Phil's specific needs. Though he could not read on his own at that time, she made a point of reading the same book with him each week. She had him repeat words and sentences after her, write words on the board, practice sounds that each letter makes and helped him choose the correct books that were of his interest and encouraged his strengths.
After a few weeks of lessons, the tutor began to see a change in Phil. He was beginning to make an effort to read from his book to the entire group. His tutor was always by his side for assistance when he needed her. Gradually, he began to listen carefully to the other young scholars as they talked about their books. After the completion of his first session, Phil continued in the program to help him read on his own. After a few weeks into his second session, he read a book on his own for the first time!
Phil continues to attend sessions to improve his reading skills. Freedom Readers tutors have enjoyed watching Phil grow from being a non-reader to discovering books on his own for the first time. His younger brother has just entered the program and Phil is watching over him like a caring, protective brother. Freedom Readers and its tutors continue to encourage, support and help develop early and continued literacy skills through lessons designed for the individual child.
(Names, Ages and Locations have been changed for privacy reasons)
Freedom Readers
The mission of Freedom Readers is to improve reading skills in low income communities by providing one-to-one literacy tutoring, free books for home libraries, and an inspiring, high-energy learning environment. Freedom Readers, Inc. connects people through a comprehensive program that offers individuals opportunities to improve academic performance and career prospects in order to alleviate poverty. Freedom Readers, Inc. promotes a love of reading and development of the skills, tools, habits, and characteristics needed to become good readers.
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