Would you like to help urban youth succeed with reading? Welcome to the STARS (Steps To Achieve Reading Success) literacy program. The goal of the South City STARS program is to introduce children to the pleasures of reading, to motivate children to want to read, to provide access to high quality books and reading materials and to work with children to improve their own reading skills. The program is available to any child ages 5-17 whose reading level is below a sixth-grade level. Most students are referred by Peabody Elementary School in South City.
Tutors will read aloud to their students, listen to the students read aloud and play phonics and other literacy games. No prior tutoring experience is necessary. Curriculum and lesson plans for each session will be provided. Sessions will be held at Peabody Elementary School (1224 S 14th St) in South Saint Louis on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm – 5:15 pm.
There will be a point system wherein students can earn a “free” day to spend time with the tutor playing fun (not literacy) board games and have a special snack. A special outing will be planned for tutors and students at the end of the school year, such as a Cardinals’ baseball game.
Tutors must commit to one day per week for a semester. Tutors will be assigned to the same student every week for continuity. A background check and child protection training will be required for all prospective volunteers. There will be an orientation and training session prior to tutoring.
This is a Christian ministry and each session will begin with prayer and a short devotional, given by STARS directors. Neither volunteers nor students must ascribe to the Christian faith.
For more information or to volunteer contact Paula Coln: southcitystarsreading@gmail.com or 314-753-4137.