Reading shouldn’t stop when school is out. Without access to educational activities during the summer, children who are already behind in reading are at risk of falling further behind their peers. The Tampa Y works to prevent summer learning loss through various programs including YMCA READS! - a grant-funded reading intervention and mentoring program that caters to struggling K-3
rd graders.
Last month, Communications Manager Kelli Biandudi volunteered with the Summer Series of YMCA READS! at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School. “When I was asked to read to first and second graders, I was actually nervous. What do I read to them? Would they be bored? I was only used to reading books aloud to my toddler,” Kelli laughs. “We read a book about manners, like saying the word
please, which is a good reminder at any age
.”
“Students love having guest readers. Each presenter is different in his or her own way,” says YMCA READS! Coordinator Dee Baynham. “Students enjoy having a story being read to them. They love to raise their hand to answer questions and they love doing an activity or reading game following the read aloud.”
After reading the children a book, Kelli played and ended up winning word BINGO. “I had a lucky card,” she winks. “It was a fun experience.”
Seeking to close the gap in students’ reading performance and the State of Florida’s reading performance expectations, YMCA READS! is always looking for volunteer mentors. “They play a large part in making the program successful,” Dee says.
Other Tampa YMCA READS! sites include Pizzo Elementary and Twin Lakes Elementary. YMCA READS! is funded by the Department of Education and the Florida State Alliance of YMCA.
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Pictured above: Tampa Y Communications Manager Kelli Biandudi enjoyed volunteering with YMCA Reads! at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School.
