Welcome to the STARS (Steps To Achieve Reading Success) literacy program. The goal of the South City STARS program is to work with children to improve their reading skills. The program is available to any child from ages 5-17 whose reading level is below a sixth-grade level.
We assign one volunteer to work with your child each week so your child will not have to get used to multiple tutors. Volunteers and students are both expected to commit to attending the program weekly so that the child will have the greatest chance of success. A background check and a child safety course will be required for all volunteers.
Tutors will use songs, games, and workbook pages from standard curriculum to teach reading skills. Tutors will also read aloud to children to help get them excited about reading. Since the tutors will be working one-on-one with students, the program is meant to be flexible and cater to each child’s learning style. Snacks will be provided to students during every tutoring session.
There will be a point system wherein students can earn a “free” day to spend time with the tutor playing fun (not reading) board games and have a special snack. We plan to have a fun outing at the end of the year for tutors and students, such as a Cardinal’s baseball game.
Afternoon sessions are held at Peabody Elementary School, 1224 S 14th St, in South Saint Louis, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 pm-5:15 pm.
This is a Christian ministry and each session will begin with prayer and a short devotional/moral lesson, given by STARS directors. Neither volunteers nor students are required to ascribe to the Christian faith.
For more information, contact Paula Coln: southcitystarsreading@gmail.com or 314-753-4137.