Judy, a Volunteer Coach in the Letters, Sounds and Words program and Kiwanis Club member shares her passion for giving children the best possible start to school. “As a volunteer, seeing these children develop the gift of reading…it opens up a whole world of imagination and adventure to them. We’re always telling them that between the pages of a book, there’s a whole other world you can explore. Once you get into that world, the doors open up and you can go anywhere you wish to go.”
Hear from parents, partners, volunteers, and champions in these videos.
Before the program, getting Xander to go to school was a huge struggle for our family. I think one of the fears he had was that he didn’t feel capable, or even on par with the other children. He didn’t want to look silly in front of them. As a parent, that was really hard to take.
Jennifer McLaren-Gibbons, Principal at St. Leos C.E.S in Brantford shares the impact improved literacy skills have on children’s development. “Literacy is integral to every part of our curriculum. Strong Start gives children the opportunity to master essential reading skills in a one-to-one setting and an opportunity for them to feel success. “
Carol, a Volunteer Coach in our Letters, Sounds and Words program shares what she finds rewarding about working with children in the Letters and Sounds strands.
Each year, hundreds of caring community members are trained to help young children learn to read in schools. They are prepared for their role by attending two, 2-hour training sessions, lead by our passionate Trainers. What do they love about the Letters, Sounds and Words program?
Joe Archer, Kindergarten Teacher and Staff Site Co-ordinator shares his perspective on the Letters, Sounds and Words program, and the difference he’s seen in the classroom from children who participate.
Nicole Auld, Learning Resource Teacher and Site Co-ordinator shares her perspective on the Letters, Sounds and Words program, how easy it was to implement at her school and the benefits she’s seen for the children involved.
Janice Hughes, Principal at Hagersville Elementary School shares her perspective on the Letters, Sounds and Words program, it’s validity, and the benefits for the children and volunteers.
Judy Moore, Learning Resource Teacher and Staff Co-ordinator shares how much schools value volunteers coming in to work with children and the positive impact they are having on children’s literacy skills.
Kathy Taylor, volunteer Site Co-ordinator and former teachers shares stories of success in the Letters, Sounds and WordsTM program. Together, we can make a lasting difference for children by helping them learn to read.