Many Begin With Reading volunteers say that the program is a great asset to the community.
“I think this is such a great program, and we need more people to participate in it,” said Altrusa International of Greenwood member Loretta Assini. “It promotes a love of reading an early age.”
Begin with Reading is a reading buddy program co-sponsored by Altrusa International of Greenwood and the Leflore County Mississippi State University Extension Service.
Volunteer readers go to the library at the Extension Office once a month to select and check out story books. The books are library quality, and many are award winners. Then, volunteers spend 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of classes, reading to Greenwood-area preschool and elementary school children once a month.
“It doesn’t take a whole lot of time,” said Assini. “For me, it takes more time to pick out a book than it does to read to the children.”
After the reading, the children are allowed to take turns checking out the book for two nights. This gives each child time to enjoy the book and allows parents to read the book to the children.
“They love to hear the stories,” said Mary Meeks, a Begin With Reading volunteer. “I ask them questions about the story, and they respond. I give them opportunities to ask questions as well.”
This year, during the month of October, which is the annual launch of the program, those who would like to become volunteers may contact the Leflore County Extension Office at 453-6803. First-time volunteer readers must watch a 20-minute video to receive a reading badge. The training program educates volunteers about book selection, presentation and book rotation.
After the introduction process is complete, volunteers can pick what age group and school they would like to read to from a list provided by the Extension Office. Volunteers will then receive contact information for the school of their choice so they can set up their first reading time.
“It’s really very rewarding,” said Assini. “I happen to read to 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds, and it is the cutest thing. They recognize me now. I’ll be in Walmart, and they’ll say, ‘Mommy, that’s the book lady.’”
Assini also said that many of the children want to read the book back to her, even though many don’t yet have the skill.
“One little girl said, ‘I want to read to you,’ and she takes the book upside down and basically remembered verbatim what I read,” she said.
Begin With Reading, founded in 1995, was designed as an early intervention program for children to establish literacy as a value in homes, enhance the educational quality of area child care facilities and improve future school performances. Research has shown that reading aloud to children in the earliest years of life is essential in building language skills and also nurtures a child’s love of books and reading.
“I think it is important that kids get a love of reading at an early age,” said Assini. “Once they have that, they don’t lose it. ... If you can get children literate and excited about reading, especially at an early age, that sets them up for a successful life path.”
The Begin with Reading Program’s library has been developed by Altrusa and the books are housed at the Extension Office, located 309 West Market St.
Every year, the club provides about 20 new books to the program. Many of the books are bought in memory of a deceased loved one or in honor of guest speakers at Altrusa meetings.
Begin With Reading is one of Altrusa’s many philanthropic projects and activities. The club also donates to the Community Food Pantry, the Community Kitchen, the Greenwood Mentoring Group, Greenwood Leflore Diabetic Education Center and Delta Streets Academy. They are also involved with The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree and projects to beautify the city.
“It just makes you feel good, because the children dearly love it when you are sitting there reading to them,” said Pat Gulledge, Altrusa member.
Anyone 18 years and older can participate in the Begin with Reading Program. The Leflore County Extension Service does background checks on all applicants.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
