RSVP Rutland County Reads

What is RSVP Rutland County Reads?
RSVP Rutland County Reads is a volunteer program designed to complement and support the development of literacy. Volunteers provide their time and energy to help children develop a love of reading and to enhance reading skills. Through the services of RSVP Rutland County Reads, community members expand upon already successful literacy efforts while enriching children’s lives.

“Rutland County Reads
is a wonderful program
which serves a purpose for
the child & the volunteer.”
Barbara Boyle, Volunteer

How Does RSVP Rutland County Reads Work?

There are a number of ways in which RSVP/The Volunteer Center is working to encourage the ongoing efforts of literacy development. RSVP brings volunteers into classrooms, libraries, and recreational facilities in order to promote a love of reading among children. Currently volunteers participate in a variety of programs designed to address different areas of community need:

Volunteers assist local schools and non profits organizations devoted to children to increase student reading levels, improve literacy skills, promote student interest in reading, provide after school enrichment and homework assistnce. Volunteers read to, share life experiences, and/or provide enrichment activities in K-6 classrooms throughout Rutland County .

School personnel and classroom teachers strongly believe that student interaction with classroom volunteers who have a rich cultural, educational, and employment background, plus a knowledge of the best children’s literature, serves to heighten the student’s interest in reading. That interest represents a springboard to future reading achievement.

1) Classroom readers/tutors/mentors:

In some instances the attention and imagination of students can be captured by a volunteer reading aloud to a group of children. In other instances, volunteers work individually with students to encourage reading. Reading material may correlate with the curriculum unit being studied, or may be chosen from suggested children’s literature materials.

2) Books Alive:

Another component of the school based programs involves a volunteer reading to a classroom in character. Who says adults can’t play dress-up? Having Mother Goose read her own rhymes can stimulate children’s interest in a unique way. To date, Rutland County classrooms have had visits from Beatrix Potter, Mother Goose, the Cat-in-the-Hat, and the Tooth Fairy. The possibilities are endless.

3) After School Enrichment and Homework Assistance:

Volunteers in this component work with children in after school settings such as Boys and Girls Clubs or school sponsored after school programs such as Tapestry. Volunteer activities in this area include sharing hobbies or talents, arts and crafts, playing games such as chess, reading with children or Homework Buddies -volunteers who assist children with homework, utilizing strategies to help students achieve better organization, neatness, and completion.

Is Support Provided To Volunteers?

Volunteers with the desire to work with children are offered the opportunity to participate in reading workshops. The workshops act as a resource to strengthen understanding of reading and working with children, while providing a platform for connections and support to one another. In addition, as a registered member of RSVP/The Volunteer Center you will enjoy benefits that include ongoing support, a newsletter, supplemental insurance while volunteering, feedback and recognition for your work.

The Search For Volunteers:

In order to continue our efforts, we are always searching for the services and talents of volunteers. If you enjoy working with children please consider participating in this volunteer effort. Give us a call at 802-775-8220 or visit us at 6 Court Street, Rutland or email us at rsvp@volunteersinvt.org.