UWBC has always focused on literacy with a specific focus on 3rd grade reading levels. Studies have shown that a child that is not reading on grade level by the time they leave 3rd grade is four times more likely to drop out of high school.
The program focuses on 2nd grade students with the ultimate goal of improving literacy levels among the students. UWBC Reading Buddies stuffed animals help these 2nd grade students build confidence in their reading abilities. Combined with teacher instruction, Reading Buddies increase children’s literacy skills and their motivation to read.
Reading buddies encourage reading in students by being non-judgmental listeners who are always available to hear books read aloud. They provide a confidence boost for students, tools for teachers, and friends to young readers.
Each student receives a unique buddy with no duplicates in the classroom. Students are given their buddy to take home at the end of the school year.
Participating schools commit to teachers providing at minimum 20 minutes, twice a week for children to read to their buddy, as well as pre and post-program student and teacher surveys. United Way also helps to match volunteers to read with the students and their buddies as requested.