My favorite moment from this past semester with Book Buddies happened on the last day I read with one of my Buddies and he was able to finish a whole book by himself. Other than this being a huge achievement for this particular student, the first time I read this particular book with him at the beginning of the semester, he wasn't even able to read half the book by himself. Knowing that I was able to see him progress through the book was a special moment for me.

- Kelly Z., Open Books Buddy

 

Open Books is truly a rewarding experience. No matter what is going on in your day, week or your life it is all forgotten when you see the faces of your little Buddies waiting for you when you walk down the hall.

- Mitch F., Open Books Buddy

 

One of the best indications I had of how much confidence one of my Reading Buddies had gained was when she decided that it was her turn to teach me. So she flashed the cards, pronounced carefully if I wasn't precise, and encouraged me with a 'that's GOOD' at appropriate intervals. Best way to learn is to teach something you know!

- Ann A., Open Books Buddy

 

It was great to spend quality one-on-one time reading with my Buddies at Schiller and see their response to the opportunity; one of them told me "I've been waiting for this all week." I could not put it better myself.

- Steve T., Open Books Buddy

 

If reading is an important part of your life, it feels very
gratifying to be able to share this passion with somebody else, especially somebody who is still at an age so susceptible to influence. What I love about the program is that it promotes literacy but in an informal manner that's always focused on positive reinforcement and play-based methodology. It strives to equate reading with fun, and if one is to judge the approach by the smiles of the kids then it's definitely doing just that!

- Beata D. Open Books Buddy

 

This year has been a huge year for our school because of what Open Books has given to our children. Each Monday, you visit and the volunteers read and listen to our children read to them.  The students look forward to Mondays. We do not have adults who are available to be "reading buddies" to our children.  Our school has been deeply touched and enriched by the programs and experiences you have given us. You have been an important part of a partnership that has been on the scene making a positive impact for children who would otherwise not have the opportunities to work with committed adults outside of their classrooms.

Barbara Kargas, Principal, Goethe School

 

Since October of 2008, some of our most economically disadvantaged families have been able to benefit from the homework help and reading assistance that the Reading Buddies volunteers provide. One of our students recently made a thank you note for her buddy: "Thanks for volunteering! Thank you for helping us! You are the best! We hope you come back next year!"  While simple, this note struck me.  Our students need steady, committed adults in their lives.  Open Books helps us expand this circle of committed adults for our students while helping them increase their reading skills.  I truly believe that this is what quality programming is all about.

Kate Cichon, Program Manager, Perspectives Charter School

 

The students I work with lag somewhat behind their classmates in reading ability and I am not sure that they get enough much needed individual attention in the classroom.  Whenever they struggle with a word, I am ready to provide encouragement and support.  As a result, my buddies have become more competent and confident readers.Perhaps as important are the relationships I have developed with the students.  After talking with them, I’ve learned that their circumstances do not afford much interaction with positive role models.  I’d like to think that through my time with them each week, the students gain a trusted friend who can offer valuable life lessons and broaden their perspectives.

Marko D., Open Books Buddy

 

Last year I read with a little girl who didn’t seem to be all that interested in what we were doing.  So I was very happy to have her recognize my face in September & seek me out to read with her every Friday.  She has retained the phonics we worked on last year, and is becoming a reasonable reader for her grade level. The value and significance of Open Books programs goes far beyond personal experience and the important but ultimately mechanical skill of being able to read. With reading & literacy, basis for communicating, advancing one’s intellectual life, being able to express oneself, comprehending a world larger than oneself—all of the factors so essential to the fully realized human being—how in the name of wisdom can we doubt the value of the programs that Open Books so creatively makes available to those who might otherwise Fall 2010 behind?

Ann A., Open Books Buddy