Today is kind of the first foray back into Real Life after the holidays and our vacation. I'll get pics up from our trip to Tahoe soon, but have to wade through the sorting of pictures first.
So, I've been volunteering with a Community Reading Program in Bakersfield. For an hour a week, I get to sit with four 3rd graders (15-minutes each) and have them read to me. They're students who need a little extra help to get their reading level up to that of their classmates. . . studies apparently show that if a child isn't up to reading levels by 2nd & 3rd grade, they just get further and further behind. Anyway, today was my first day back after the holiday break and I asked each of them about their holiday (and if they read any books!) And while one little girl had read a book at her cousin's house, I mostly heard that they didn't have any books at their house. :-( One of them has a grandmother living nearby who has some books, but another told me that when her grandmother saw a book she didn't like, it went into the fire!
It's hard to imagine a house without books. . . to imagine parents and relatives not reading to me. So THANK YOU to everyone who ever read me a book, bought me a book, listened when I read a book, talked about books and reading. . . I'm appreciating the gift of reading more than ever today!!
We had a great week in Tahoe with Ben & Pei; did some skiing/boarding, some lazing, some eating, game-playing, movie-watching, and sightseeing. . . a Real Vacation!
I'll get pictures up soon. Tonight I'm going to my first of three classes about using my camera, hoping some new information will sink in!Also, we found a lump on Sam's leg after we got home; he's having it removed on Friday so say a little prayer for him! And the next issue of In the Mist is out, though they didn't put in my favorite winter pictures from Big Bear. They published a poem this time too.
Posts
2 comments:
Such a nice surprise this morning to see your picture and hear from you! I'm such a fan of reading and am sad to hear about those little kids - I'm sure that even the little time you spend with them will help (for their whole lives). I'm also sorry about Sam and will say a prayer. Love you - k
Hiya! You and Pedro have something in common now (not that you DIDN'T before...but well, you know...). He's a reading buddy too! :) Good for you, for caring enough to do that! It really DOES make a difference in a child's life (literacy) and so any help is beneficial. Nice updates! I liked 'em.
Post a Comment