Sixty-six Grade 2 students are now improving their reading and writing skills, as the 11th year of Reading College has officially begun.
Reading College, a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools, helps teach children in the division who are struggling with reading and writing.
For the entire month of July, Reading College students will be immersed in a literacy-rich environment, while being supported by mentor teachers and recent graduate teachers of Red Deer Polytechnic.
Students will also participate in activities each day throughout the post secondary institution, which aims to further enhance their excitement for reading and writing, and introduce them to possibilities for their future.
“Third grade reading levels are one of the best predictors of high school graduation. Reading College helps struggling readers become readers of potential,” said Sue Carmichael, Reading College program co-ordinator.
“Reading College is a fantastic program that inspires kids to read and write to ensure they are ready and excited to enter Grade 3.”
The program takes place at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.
“Even with summer holidays just starting, kids and parents were excited when they got on the bus today to start Reading College,” said Bruce Buruma, Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools executive director.
“In 20 days, we will see significant improvement using approaches that have demonstrated real success. Students will be working hard at reading and writing, but also playing hard with lots of great literacy-based activities around RDP.
“All the programs the Foundation supports creates life chances for students. Reading College gives these students foundational skills that will help them be more successful in school.”
In a statement, Red Deer Public Schools said the program would not be possible without financial support from many community partners, including from the Central Alberta Optimist Clubs and Tim Hortons through their Smile Cookie Campaign.
For more information on Reading College, visit www.rdpsd.ab.ca/page/4522/reading-college.
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