Read Aloud Volunteer Classroom Reader

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Do you enjoy reading aloud to young kids? Share your love of reading with young children! The Words Alive Read Aloud Program (RAP) operates on the knowledge that reading aloud to young children is the most important thing we can do to help them become motivated, strong readers. Every month the Read Aloud Program serves approximately 2,000 preschool and elementary school students attending Title I (low-income) elementary schools. Many of the students they serve live in communities with limited educational resources.

Words Alive is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to provide stimulating, shared-reading experiences in their early elementary classrooms (transitional kindergarten - grade 3).

Read Aloud Program volunteers provide weekly shared-reading experiences to help these young students develop the cognitive, language, and social-emotional skills necessary to be successful adults. No prior teaching experience is necessary; curriculum guides offering themed example questions, group activities, and useful tips and tricks for an engaging reading session will be provided to support volunteers in preparing for their sessions.

Read Aloud volunteers work to build healthy reading habits, encourage reading comprehension, boost phonological awareness, and provide opportunities for self-expression and world exploration. They explore new and diverse texts using five anchors: read, talk, sing, play, and connect to help foster the love of reading.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Getting Started: Sign up for the next orientation here. You can also email volunteer@wordsalive.org or call 858-274-9673 to sign up for the next orientation and training.

Time Commitment: Volunteers work remotely at an assigned school site. Volunteers typically spend 30 minutes per classroom reading and providing fun, educational activities. Commitment varies by site; most volunteers commit to 2 or more classes weekly. Preparation for reading sessions can be done in as little as 15 minutes.

Location: Words Alive has in-person Read Aloud volunteer positions available to support children across San Diego County. Currently, we are seeking out individuals who would be interested in volunteering at these particular school sites:

• Carver Elementary, Oak Park
• Hamilton Elementary, City Heights
• Harriet Tubman Village Charter, College Area
• Ibarra Elementary, City Heights
• Rolando Park Elementary, Rolando Park

Onboarding Process: Interested volunteers will need to submit a completed application, attend a 45-minute volunteer orientation that is required for all Words Alive volunteers, complete a background check, and attend a 2-hour training specific to the Read Aloud Program. Additionally, volunteers must submit a negative TB test, provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, complete a COVID waiver, and complete a free online training about the prevention, identification, and reporting of child abuse and neglect.

Desirable Skills/Experience: Volunteers should enjoy reading, be comfortable spending time with young children, have reliable transportation, be culturally sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of the students, and have a positive attitude.

About Words Alive

Words Alive provides essential literacy services to underserved students and families. Their mission is to open opportunities for life success by inspiring a commitment to reading.