Tuesday's Theory: Being a Reading Mentor Will Improve A Child's Life and Your Own.

Mentoring Programs focused on Reading are a proven success. I have personally participated in two different programs: H.O.S.T.S. and W.I.T.S. I encourage everyone who is able to research whether the local schools have a reading mentoring program and explore whether you would be able to participate. It is amazing how a child with as little as an additional hour of reading each week can increase as much as three reading levels in one school year! Most reading programs are held over the lunch hour, "the power lunch."

Here are a couple of websites that I think explain the programs well and give great tips for establishing your own program.

Everybody Wins: Power Lunch Reading Mentor Information Guide

Teen Trend Setters: HS Students Mentoring Elementary Students

H.O.S.T.S. Example

No programs where you are located?  Think about starting one!!!  It is a wonderful way to involve an entire community.  High school students taking study hall, retired individuals looking to do something meaningful, and professionals needing to escape the office for 45 minutes to 1 hour can all participate and bring success to a student's life!