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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-06-08, Page 66 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, June 8, 2005 Opinion Forum News Writer shares a reading program testimony Dear Editor: I have been able to help out with our school's reading program for the past three years. The children are taught reading in the class with our purpose being to expose the beginning reader to more opportunities to read. One child at a time comes to our program for a maximum of 15 minutes, reads a book and completes a work- sheet with us. The sheet usually involves circling correct words or finishing writing words or colouring appropriate pictures to correspond with words. After completing it, they can choose a sticker, which usually ends up on their shoes, clothes or face! They have another sheet to take home. It could be a game or picture to colour or another worksheet. At St. Patrick's School in Lucan, we're lucky to have Monica Vandenhoff, who has run the program for several years. She works with the teachers of the students to find out who should be in the program and a letter is sent home to explain the pro- gram and obtain parental approval for their child to participate. Monica then deter- mines if there are times children cannot be taken out of the class like resource, music or French lessons and works around class trips and special days at the school. Monica makes a folder up for each child with the appropriate times for the child to come and the worksheets they'll work on during the session. The difficulty of the books gets higher with each level. We volunteers have a sign -in sheet on which we can communicate with each other. On my first day, the first child dragged himself into the room. He sat close to the door, slouched in the chair, tried to hold the book so I couldn't see the words and was speaking so softly I had to ask him to speak up every few minutes. The eight - page book was painful for both of us. For every word we used all the techniques, breaking the word down, sounding it out and using visual clues. He kept saying, "Come on, just tell me the word." I decided I would finish my volunteer hours today but I felt I didn't have the patience to do this. Just before leaving that day, this youngster turned and looked at the floor and mumbled, "Thanks." I looked at him. Thanks? Well, I softened and thought I could try one more day. I chose to continue volunteering but didn't always read with this boy. When I did, I'd look back in his reading program record and read the comment section, "struggling with many of the words," "easily distracted," and "not interest- ed." The change in his demeanour was gradual. One day he read a few words at a time. I pointed it out to him and he shrugged. Another time he read a whole page and he shyly pointed that out to me! I noticed his confidence building with each level he finished. Our principal Mrs. Latella and teachers Mrs. Dobbie and Mrs. Skellett have been very supportive of us and the program. I would encourage anyone either to volun- teer at a program in your local area or consider starting one. It's a valuable contri- bution and involves as few or as many hours you may have to give. We helpers were invited to an appreciation lunch at our school for all the various volunteers, which was a nice affair. However, the best tribute I ever received was many years ago on one of the last days I read with that first child. After reading the book, he asked me, with a toothy grin, if he could read a second book! MICHELE IVANOUSKI Denfield, ON Community yard sale in Crediton Bargain hunters headed to Crediton last Saturday for the village's first community- wide yard sale.Above from left are Micheal Mann and Pam and Jessica Allen, while at below, Harold Glanville and Nick Lansbergen stand with their wares.At right, Melissa MacLeod had a variety of toys for sale. (photos/Scott Nixon) Canada Day decorating contest in Hensall By Liz Sangster HENSALL CORRESPONDENT HENSALL — The Hensall shuffleboard scores for May 31 are as follows: Catherine Decorte 567, Joyce Pepper 470, Cecil Pepper 458, Dave Woodward 454, Cor DeCorte 450, Helen McKay 426, Joe Regier 423, George Racey 423. At Carmel Presbyterian Church Tracey Whitson- Bahro was the minister with Joyce Pepper playing the organ. Al Hoggarth and Harry Smith received the offering. At Hensall United Church, Chuck Mallette HENwas the organist with Evaline McAllister wel- coming everyone. Pat Veal and Judy Mock were the ushers. Shirley McAllister, Gordon Kurtz, Melissa Kurtz and Rose Dundas took part in the service. HENS NEWS When Pastor Darke is away, call Florence Slade at 262-2732 for informa- tion. There will be a council meeting on June 9 at 7:30 p.m. The Hensall and Community Horticultural Society is sponsoring a Canada Day decorating contest for homes and businesses. Register by June 24; phone 262-2715 to register. Come out and enjoy our June meal at the Hensall Drop -In on June 16 at the Hensall United Church. Lunch will be served at 12 noon. Following lunch we will be having John Mason whistle. We welcome everyone to this luncheon held on the third Thursday each month. This will be the last Drop -In until September. The cost is $5 per per- son. If required trans- portation can be provid- ed. To make reservations, contact Marg Cole at 262- 2304 or Faye Skinner at 235-0258 by noon on Mon., June 13.