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Reading is fundamental...and a gateway to a love of life-long learning. But nearly a
third of Florida's third graders attending public school cannot read at grade level.
The United Way of Northeast Florida's ReadingPals program recently hosted a Dr. Seuss-themed
breakfast at Florida Blue's Deerwood campus to celebrate the initiative's first year and
the volunteers who've helped to improve the literacy and language skills of northeast
Florida children.
"Volunteers commit to those same two or three kids each week for 30 weeks during the course
of the school year, so rather than getting sort of intimidated by this problem with school
readiness with 30% of students not being ready to start Kindergarten, it's something very
concrete that people can do." "I saw children go from being unsure of their
knowledge of their numbers and shapes and letters and so forth to just seeing them in
their graduation this past Monday and they were very confident."
"It's so amazing when you go in and something you've taught them two weeks before...all
of a sudden, they bring that up or they use that..."
"It's a stepping stone for our 4 year olds to learn new words, create stories, use their
imaginations..." "It's such an enriching experience, not just
for the children but for the adults who are involved."
"My first ReadingPals were a little girl and a little boy and after several weeks I walked
in and the little girl ran up, threw her arms around me and she said 'I missed you' so I
thought that was really special." "You're always thinking of what's on the schedule.
I have this to do Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, but when you get in the classroom with the
children it's all right there and the children bring you to that place and you just get time
to spend time with young people and help them and that really makes me feel good."
"We are actually out in the community in full force instilling in our young people how important
it is to learn early, to read early..." "I tell volunteers all the time kids can never
have too many adults who care about them. And so our ReadingPals volunteers provide
that extra support." "My belief is that it's not important just
to be successful, but also to live a life of significance. And in doing so you're giving
back to the community. And I think Florida Blue with their corporate responsibility efforts,
this is feeding into that because we want to make a imprint in the community. And if
we build strong communities that will also lead to a healthier community, as well.
"I'm not much of a crier. My friends always tell me something's wrong with my tear ducts
but that last day you're so filled with joy and happiness and love for these kids it's
just so hard not to be overtaken by your emotions because it's just such a precious experience."