CRESTVIEW SCHOOLS Assistance pays off in reading

Some kindergartners are struggling with letter and word recognition.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- There was a time when you couldn't read.
Then, suddenly, you knew.
Dick and Jane ran.
Spot chased the big red ball.
You learned to like green eggs and ham.
Some youngsters are voracious readers at an early age. Others, however, have difficulty.
Last year, nearly 100 volunteers helped 35 first- through fourth-graders at Crestview Elementary to improve reading and writing skills as the district launched its HOSTS reading curriculum. HOSTS stands for Helping One Student To Succeed.
Thanks to an additional OhioReads grant, about 30 kindergartners are receiving similar assistance this year.
The district received a $60,000 OhioReads grant last year for a two-year program. This year, the district received an additional $30,000 from OhioReads to buy HOSTS materials this year and next for kindergartners.
How it works: Superintendent John Dilling said the HOSTS program uses volunteers to work with kindergarten pupils who are having difficulty with letter and word recognition.
Nancy Tompkins, coordinator of the HOSTS program, said a child who improves in reading generally has improved self-esteem and, consequently, better classroom performance.
She said teachers surveyed after completion of the HOSTS program last year said students enrolled in HOSTS gained confidence and were less afraid to ask questions in class when they didn't understand something.
One volunteer said much of the time during the 20 minute sessions four days a week is spent boosting self-esteem. She said the pupils who are struggling often know the material, but they are reluctant to respond for fear of being wrong.
HOSTS curriculum last year focused on reading, writing and grammar skills, Tompkins said. She plans to focus more on writing assignments this year as well as having pupils and tutors read to one another.
The curriculum also includes a number of games designed to boost reading and grammar skills, she said.
More details: Pupils chosen for the HOSTS program are those who test below their grade level in reading skills, Tompkins said. All of the pupils involved in HOSTS last year improved, some by as much as two grade levels, she said.
Volunteers range in age from high school students to retirees, and spend about 40 minutes each session with a student, Tompkins said.
Some volunteers come one day a week and work with several pupils, others work with one pupil and come each day, she said.
XFor more information about HOSTS or to be a volunteer, call Tompkins at (330) 482-1912.