Literacy Tutoring
In support of school district priorities, we are engaging elementary school students in-person with high-dosage literacy tutoring. This means the children reading below grade level will receive tutoring multiple times each week to accelerate their learning. We work to build the literacy and comprehension skills needed for students to succeed academically in reading, writing and math.
The systematic approach guides tutors to work with students one-on-one or in small groups using the Ravenswood district's structured phonics-based curriculum to accelerate student reading and comprehension skills. Students meet with tutors multiple times per week, decoding words by breaking them down in parts and understanding the sounds that letters make. Each lesson builds on the last. Tutors and students alike can monitor their progress as they move through the lessons together each week, all in coordination with the classroom teacher.
For our youngest learners in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, our program is more unstructured in nature and supports developmentally appropriate approaches to early literacy. Our tutors focus on letter names and sounds. Once students know 20 letter names and sounds, we will work with the classroom teacher to transition them to a phonics-based program to continue building their literacy skills.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up and volunteer. We look forward to supporting you in the classroom.
The systematic approach guides tutors to work with students one-on-one or in small groups using the Ravenswood district's structured phonics-based curriculum to accelerate student reading and comprehension skills. Students meet with tutors multiple times per week, decoding words by breaking them down in parts and understanding the sounds that letters make. Each lesson builds on the last. Tutors and students alike can monitor their progress as they move through the lessons together each week, all in coordination with the classroom teacher.
For our youngest learners in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten, our program is more unstructured in nature and supports developmentally appropriate approaches to early literacy. Our tutors focus on letter names and sounds. Once students know 20 letter names and sounds, we will work with the classroom teacher to transition them to a phonics-based program to continue building their literacy skills.
Interested in volunteering? Sign up and volunteer. We look forward to supporting you in the classroom.
Sidney MarksSidney is a long time volunteer who currently works with Kindergarten students at Costaño School in East Palo Alto to learn their letters and letter sounds as part of the school district’s new phonics-focused literacy program. The lessons are a series of short games which make the sessions fun for students and tutors alike.
Sidney particularly likes being able to work one-on-one or in pairs with students and feels that connection is the key to helping the youngest students learn. She says, “My favorite parts of volunteering are making a connection with the students and then being able to help them with their schoolwork. Young students are so eager to learn." She continues, “It is such a joy to see the "lightbulb" moment and to witness the sense of accomplishment in the students when they have learned/mastered something new. Most of the time, the pathway to that "lightbulb" moment is the tutor’s relationship and connection with the student.” |
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Kerrin MeinhardtAnother long-time volunteer, Kerrin Meindardt, has been working recently with 2nd graders learning to sound out new words and improve reading skills. “I learned how to read with phonics and helped my children learn the same way. I can see that the new Ravenswood program called SIPPS is helping my students improve their reading."
Kerrin is a creative tutor, using games to encourage her students. “I'd take the site word flash cards and play a game. The more words they knew and the faster they went, I’d act like my arm was tired and I’d say "Oh my goodness, my arm cannot even keep up with you!" I always got giggles and smiles, and then we would continue on with the rest of the lesson." What is Kerrin’s favorite part of volunteering? “The SMILES!! I love seeing when that lightbulb comes on or seeing them give their friend a hug when they get something right.” Kerrin also loves the hugs she gets from her students when she visits the classroom. Tutoring in Ravenswood is one of her favorite moments of the week. |
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Marion McGregorMarion found her time as a volunteer with RCP rewarding.
“I always believed that all children deserve an equal opportunity to learn. RCP is trying very hard to improve the challenges that the students from East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park are experiencing. Ravenswood Classroom Partners is an association which brings not only support and care, but also kindness to the students and helps them grow academically and emotionally.” |
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Fenella LeightonFenella gave her time to support students at Costaño School because she really enjoyed the experience.
“I’ve supported my own children throughout their school life. When my last child graduated from high school I wanted to stay involved in local schools and give back to the community. Volunteering with Ravenswood Classroom Partners is a wonderfully uplifting experience.” |
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