ReadingPals Volunteer

Sometimes Kindergarten students need a little extra help with their early literacy skills. These skills will make them successful readers and students in the future.

ReadingPals is a statewide literacy initiative that uses small group settings to provide the students' with skills to succeed. ReadingPals materials are provided by United Way of Central Florida and are approved for use by Polk County Public Schools.

ReadingPals is a one hour a week commitment for the school year and are assigned a kindergarten classroom in the school that they have selected, on the day that they select (if at all possible).

Volunteers read with 2 groups of 2 students (selected by the classroom teacher) for 1/2 hour with each group. To have maximum impact for the students and to create positive relationships, they work with the same students all year. All groups read the same book each week.

All volunteers receive a 2 hour orientation training and need to get a background check prior to working in the schools. No teaching background is necessary.