– Thurston United Way’s Reading Buddy Program comes to Yelm
“Reading Buddies helps developing young readers reach benchmark reading goals by the end of the third grade. Volunteers are paired with a first, second, or third grader who is below grade level reading, for 45 minutes a week during the school year. Trained volunteers use a variety of tools to help emerging readers learn their sight words, comprehension, identify new words, gain confidence in their reading skills, and more!

One-to-one tutoring with an emerging young reader forms a bond between students and their tutors; this is a successful strategy to help students improve their reading skills,” from United Way-Thurston.
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– For more information
Click here for a 5-minute YouTube video about Thurston County Reading Buddies.

Anyone wanting more details about volunteering as a Reading Buddy may attend a Reading Buddy Orientation on Tuesday, December 6, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at Prestige Senior Living, 215 Killion Rd NW, Yelm. (Note: Prestige Senior Living was formerly known as Rosemont Retirement & Assisted Living.)

Those planning to attend are asked to contact Sierra Abrams, Reading Buddy Program Coordinator, at the United Way of Thurston County, 360.943.2773 x124, or email SAbrams@unitedway-thurston.org.


– Editor’s Note:
The Reading Buddy program of United Way-Thurston is in the fifth year of making a difference in steady growth and is now extending to include Yelm. United Way has recruited editor and writer Sara Steinberg to serve as Local Leader, recruiting volunteers and educating our community. Yelm’s Reading Buddy Program will be introduced at Fort Stevens Elementary School.