Feb 2016 - "They're totally awesome." "I read 'Corduroy' yesterday, and my brother read a little bit of it." Kindergarteners are clearly excited to be taking part in United Way’s Real Men Read program.
Once a month, male volunteers read to kindergarteners in their classrooms, and each child is provided with a copy of the book to take home. These 18 volunteers, called “MENtors,” show students that reading is important to everyone.
Thanks to the Real Men Read program, over 400 kindergarteners in Richland Bean Blossom and Spencer-Owen Community Schools have trained role models who visit their classrooms and encourage them to get excited about reading.
Research shows that an early appreciation for reading can influence children’s school success, which correlates to high school graduation and greater financial stability in the future.
“Putting books in the hands of children is a great way to encourage reading at home,” one teacher said. “This is a fantastic program! My students get so excited when their mentor comes to read!”
The Duke Energy Foundation provided 2-year grant funding to United Way to start this program in Richland Bean Blossom and Spencer-Owen Schools. By the end of the 2016 school year, over 2,000 books will be distributed to kindergarteners in six different schools. Since the start of the program, over 5,000 books have been given to students.
Parents can participate in the program - and help their children become better readers - by reading with their kids at home every day. The Real Men Read Parent Toolkit on United Way’s website provides resources and information to help parents guide children through their new books.
Real Men Read has received a warm reception from the community. An article about a participating classroom was recently published in The Herald Times. Teachers, volunteers, and kindergarteners have all encouraged United Way to continue the program.
Only $82 is needed to provide new books for a classroom of 25 kindergarteners for one month. New sponsors and corporate supporters are welcome and can contact United Way at 812-334-8370 x13 to receive a sponsorship packet and more information.
>> Real Men Read helps show kids that books are fun (The Herald-Times, January 2016)