The Reading Team works because professional Literacy Mentors/Instructors ensure children master the basic building blocks of literacy success, before and after guided reading sessions occur. The curriculum contains comprehensive literacy activities and related enrichment exercises that are not dissipated by unrelated games-programming.
The Reading Team makes a difference in the lives of hundreds of children. Many of them come from backgrounds where they do not have a lot of support at home or in school when it comes to literacy. This could be because their parents are immigrants and do not know how to speak English, it could be because their parents have multiple jobs and do not have a lot of time to read with them, it could be because their schools are under-funded and under-staffed, and it could be any sort of combination of these factors. Whatever the case, their parents trust them in the very capable hands of the people at The Reading Team. Not only do they help with literacy skills, they help these children cope with tough situations. The Reading Team supports the whole child, and teaches children how to deal with stress, and how to keep a positive attitude. Their sites are colorful and welcoming, making the children feel comfortable and excited to learn. I have seen children come to The Reading Team, lacking confidence in their own abilities as students, only to leave with smiles on their faces because they feel smart and confident. I cannot say enough about how The Reading Team supports children.
It's hard not to feel immediate admiration for this group. Maureen Rover is an inspiration. She took a hard look at an area that needed improvement and founded an organization that really helps struggling young Harlem children improve their reading skills so they not only catch up to their peers, but far exceed them. Basic reading and writing skills are key to success, and it is fantastic to see groups of young people excited to get a head start in their lives.