Rolling
Readers-Cape Girardeau Area has progressed from its beginning
as a chapter of Rolling Readers USA to a separate organization,
a not-for-profit under the Community Caring Council umbrella. Our focus is effective reading strategies for struggling readers.
The late Robert Condon founded Rolling Readers USA in
1991 in San Diego. He and a group of like-minded friends
started ‘Rolling’ into local schools and community
sites to read aloud and help children become better readers.
As the oldest (I prefer first-born) of six children born
to parents with an 8th grade education, but who loved to read, I realized ‘reading’
was the ticket that helped me move out of a poverty-level
existence.
After learning that 30% to 40% of children nationwide
are struggling readers, I started Rolling Readers-Cape
Area to help as many as possible enjoy the benefits I have received from my reading ability.
Currently, we serve as a resource for any organization
that works with children and families. We train parents,
tutors, and children (age 10 plus) in reading strategies
that good readers use. Our Easy-to-use tutoring format makes it simple to teach these strategies to struggling readers. We will also train the organization’s
presenters so they can develop local tutors.
Our approach, based on reading
research and the reading strategies good readers use, is effective. Use our tutoring format
with a child for just 16 minutes a day.
It has been shown to improve reading skills
by a median of 62.5 % of a full grade level
in as little as 20 weeks.
Robert Condon made a difference in the lives of children
in his community. We are continuing his caring and commitment
into our Area.
For Better Readers,
Gaylon Smith
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