WHAT WOULD I DO? | imua-readers

What would I actually do as a volunteer? What's the commitment?

First off, you won't be alone. You'll be part of a team of four that have each other's backs, especially for those inevitable times that you can't make a coaching session.

But to be specific: We're asking for four hours per week. Come before or after school to Kamalii two times per week, Monday-Wednesday, Tuesday-Thursday, or Wednesday-Friday. Each coaching session will last 45 minutes, max.

You'll need to prepare a session plan in advance for each session, which should take no more than one-half hour. (You won't have to think up anything...all material and content will be provided as part of training.)

That's it. It all adds up to four hours per week to give a child the gift of reading.

But I go off-island, sometimes for a month or so

Got you covered. Your Coordinator will contact the other team members and figure out among them who will split up coaching your child each session while you're gone. We'd ask that you be willing to fill in at some point in return.

But I'm a part-timer on Maui

No worries mate. We'll take you. For as many weeks as you can give us. You'll note that our training is scheduled for October 15-17. If you're not here then, our plan is to offer later training. Stay tuned.

How long does it take for coaching to work its magic?

There is no standard timeframe for a child classed as at-risk for reading to get up to grade level. I've had kids make amazingly rapid progress and I've worked with kids whose progress is agonizingly slow...but with constant small improvement! Your training will equip you to deal with the full range of these kid's abilities.

How will I be matched up with a child?

School staff have the expertise to gauge the severity of each at-risk child's reading gap, matched to the length of time you can give. Yet it'll still be a guess. Hopefully we'll have enough volunteers so that if you cannot continue with your child, we'll have somebody to take over.

What will this cost me?

Nothing. Well except...maybe for a stuffed animal or reward stickers that your child will love.

The Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea is paying for the cost of your training, materials and supplies.