Reading ASSIST Institute - Unlocking the written word... one sound at a time

Volunteers — Success Stories

Tutor Volunteers:
“The Reading ASSIST Institute gave us (volunteer tutors) training that allows children to have fun while learning. We include games as well as a structured learning regimen. It is most rewarding to see (children) grow in their abilities, and we greatly appreciate comments from their teachers that attest to their improvement in their regular classroom.”
- Gary Lippe, RAI Volunteer Tutor, Rehoboth, DE

“Three other volunteers and I work with a little boy each week. I’ll call him Jamal. Initial Reading ASSIST^® testing this year found he had none of the skills necessary to become a reader. (After tutoring) Jamal met benchmarks for his grade level in oral reading AND phonemic segmentation. About the same time, Jamal greeted me with the announcement that he was going to be a great reader and go to college. What made a difference in this little boy’s life? About forty-five minutes a day, four days a week with a team of four volunteers who have the knowledge and skills to help him succeed in becoming a literate participant in the world. Where did I and my fellow volunteers receive our training? Through Delaware’s Reading ASSIST^® Institute.”
- Barb Kanter, MS Ed, RAI Volunteer Tutor, Wilmington, DE

“Every day we meet with the students is rewarding as they greet us with warmth and an eagerness to learn. Our time together is exciting, sometimes frustrating, but at the end of the day incredibly fulfilling. One day I was introducing a beginning blend concept which in prior sessions had been a struggle. On this day the student got it! His pride in his accomplishment and his expressions of joy are the essence of my reward.”
- Gary Reddick, RAI Volunteer Tutor, Lewes, DE