Volunteer in a Literacy Program for Children

I used to have a speech impediment. Since I was in the first grade, I had to take speech classes to help me with my grammar because I couldn't, at that time, grab the understanding of using proper English like most children. When I got in high school, I still had a problem with my speech and was very embarrassed about my language, writing, and reading skills. Because of my speech impediment, I was humiliated by other students and even teachers. However, the more I read, the better my speech became. Reading helped me to get rid of my speech impediment that I had suffered with for a long time. However, how many of us have this opportunity to get rid of a speech impediment or to be cured from being victims of illiteracy? According to the ALA, "There are an estimated 27 million functionally illiterate adults in the United States" who cannot read, write, or comprehend well enough to live in a society that is developing in technology greatly. The saddest part is that many who are illiterate are children. That is why we have to do something about it. For starters, we can volunteer in a literacy program in our local area.

When you volunteer in a literacy program, you will be entertained by the many activities that are taking place at the program. As a literacy volunteer, you will need to help ensure the need to help parents to be informed of the importance of implementing literacy into their children's lives and the way to do it. One way to inform parents of the how to help their children's reading abilities is through reading pamphlets. Places that have pamphlets are "Local libraries and websites. Places you can give these pamphlets away to are "Well-baby clinics for low income families."

Another activity you can do to help as a literacy volunteer is to help by volunteering in a Book Giveaway project. This is one way more children can start becoming more develop readers and have books that are appropriate for their age. According to the Colorado State Library, "Studies show a child is much more likely to be read to if he's actually carrying a book and astounding as it may seem, many youngsters don't have age-appropriate reading material in their homes" (3) and with age appropriate book materials, children can start getting clarity when they do their homework because every homework has directions and to understand the homework the child has to understand what he or she is reading. Reading is so important for our children that even doctors prescribe reading as a medicine. According to United Way of New Mexico, "Reading aloud to young children is so critical that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that doctors prescribe reading activities along with other advice given to parents at regular check-ups" (3). Therefore, we as "volunteers can fill the gap."

For more information on reading and literacy programs, you can go to this website which is http://www.rif.org