The Letters, Sounds and Words program from the Strong Start charitable organization is coming to the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board this fall.
The program trains community volunteers to assist children aged second-year Kindergarten to Grade 2 with early literacy.
Strong Start said the program has demonstrated a 95 per cent literacy gain rate among participating children.
Strong Start CEO Machelle Denison said classroom teachers identify which children would be good candidates for the program. The children then meet with volunteers to play literacy games during their regular school day, so families do not have to take on any additional time or financial commitment.
“ They get encouragement, their confidence builds, their self-esteem builds. And as they have those small successes every week during those one-on-one sessions, they see themselves as successful learners,” Denison said.
She added that a number of factors have contributed to an early literacy crisis for Canadian children.
“ I think a big contributor to that really has been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and healthy child development,” she said.
“I mean, we’re five years after, but for children that were born during those five years or children who were in early years of school and just at that very key time in their development and their literacy acquisition, having those long breaks away from classroom instruction, having varying at-home experiences with regard to access to technology or for parents who are also working from home to be able to provide the support…I think that has had a significant impact on literacy.”
She said children who are new to Canada may face additional challenges in acquiring the English language, and may need extra support. She added that overall, one in four children struggle with learning to read.
Denison said the classroom teacher and volunteer coaches help tailor the program to fit each child’s needs, so they are getting targeted support in the area they need the most. A pre-and post-assessment helps determine if they are on track to meet their goals.
“It really is beneficial for the children. They have fun, they’re excited when their volunteer comes to the door to collect them. And they’re excited about their learning and their new confidence,” Denison said.
Denison added that the program is also highly rewarding for the volunteers.
Strong Start is still looking for volunteers to work with the children from HPEDSB. Four hours of online training is required, and the minimum time commitment is 30 minutes a week for 10 weeks.
