LEER
(Literacy En Española Region)
Reading opens the world to a child. LEER (leh-EHR, to read), a Children’s Literacy Program for the Española Valley, aims to improve children’s reading proficiency through access to books with vetted and trained caring adults (Reading Buddies) who read one-on-one with elementary students. The program will begin with Camp Stars summer camp in summer of 2025, and launch into the elementary schools in the fall of 2025.
Why Do Our Students Need LEER?
The need in our community is great. We know from national research that a student who cannot read on grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate on time (American Education Research Association). Data from Española Public Schools for the 2023-2024 school year shows that 75 percent of grade 3-6 students were not proficient in Language Arts, and 80 percent of students in grades K-6 were below proficiency in reading at the beginning of the school year.
LEER’s goal is to instill a love of reading and to improve the overall reading proficiency of the children it serves by 10 percent annually.
How Can We Help?
There are two key factors to improving reading abilities: access to books and reading help and support. Low-income households have nearly half the number of books in the home as higher income households. Income levels also differentiate book borrowing habits, with more affluent families more likely to borrow books from their local library (Scholastic). Our inviting and fun-leveled library gives access to books to children. Our partnership with the public library and Little Free Library initiative spreads community-wide access.
Be a Reading Buddy
A caring, vetted, and trained adult provides a supportive environment for a child to improve their reading skills, build confidence, and foster a love for reading, especially if they are struggling or lack motivation to read on their own. Someone who believes in you helps you believe in yourself.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer in the Library
Carpenters: Build Little Free Libraries
Access to books is essential to increasing literacy. Little Free Libraries are great ways to provide access to books throughout the community. These kiosk style miniature libraries allow sharing of books. Blueprints are provided but we welcome creativity. This is a great group activity for scouts or UMM.
Carpenters: Build Library Shelves and Bookcases
As the new library comes to life, you can use your skill to rework and repurpose existing shelving as well as build new bookshelves.
Painters and Creators: Bring our Library to Life
Help make The Enchanted Forest of Reading (aka the new library) come to life. So many opportunities for all skill levels as we create a space where books come to life and reading changes lives.
Be a Reading Buddy
Help children read books at their level while fostering a love for reading. Books and materials are provided.
Reading Testing Volunteers for Camp Stars this summer will be assisting in collecting pre- and post- reading data. Current or retired educators are needed to complete simple running records and surveys with children 1st-6th grades.
Requirements for Reading Volunteers:
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A background check is required for all volunteers 18+.
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High school volunteers are welcome to volunteer on their own if they are 15+ or have completed their freshman year.
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Volunteers younger than 15 must volunteer with a parent/guardian.
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Volunteers must complete a one-time online training before their first volunteer session.
LEER Leader
Meet the Director of the LEER program, Kercida McClain
