Strong Readers Strong Leaders
Strong Readers Strong Leaders (SRSL) is a phonics-based reading program that strengthens the literacy and leadership skills of elementary-age students. SRSL uses diagnostic-prescriptive programming to provide the youngest in our community with fun, multisensory, literacy tools. Students are paired one-to-one with volunteer coaches to receive individualized reading support. We offer either traditional or specialized intervention programming to our students, depending on their needs.
Traditional Reading Program
SRSL is currently offered three days a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Reading coaches work with students 4:45pm - 6:00pm. Reading coaches have the option either to sign up on an ad-hoc basis, as their schedule allows, or to make a semester or year-long commitment.
What does a typical day at SRSL look like?
4:45 - Volunteer Huddle: Reading coaches gather for training and announcements
5:00 - Read-Aloud: Students listen to a group read-aloud led by a designated coach
5:15 - Writing Response and Activity: Students work through a customized curriculum to target writing and spelling skills
5:30 - Partner Reading: Students read one-on-one with reading coaches
5:40 - Phonics-based games: Technology-free game time tailored to each student’s reading level
Specialized Interventions
Back to the Basics
For students who are significantly below grade level, we provide specialized intervention programming. Coaches take students back to the basics of phonics to strengthen their ability to decode and read with confidence.
Since the summer of 2023, we have been able to support four students, ranging from second to sixth grade, with specialized curriculum and coaching. Reading coaches who deliver this curriculum receive specialized training and commit to coaching a student over either a semester or year-long period.
Art Therapy Integration
In everything we do, we aim to provide holistic and trauma-responsive programming for our students. Our approach tailors curriculum to meet students best where they are. For students needing additional social-emotional support, we integrate art therapy activities into our reading curriculum.
Contact admin@comunidadva.org to learn more about our specialized intervention programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No prior experience required! We will teach you all you need to know to be a reading coach during an hour-long volunteer orientation.
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Reading coaches must be high-school-age or older.
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All of our reading coaches 18 years and older are required to complete a background check. Additionally, all coaches are required to complete an online child safety training.
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We have a place for you! While many of our reading coaches opt to volunteer on a regular basis, we recognize that everyone has different schedules. SRSL is formatted to allow coaches to sign up on the dates that work best for the coach.
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No, SRSL is not an ESOL program. While most of our students do speak Spanish at home, they are all fluent English speakers. Our programming is focused on strengthening their reading and spelling in English.
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Yes! SRSL programming runs year-round. Summer is a critical programming time for us, as we help students to retain their reading skills while school is not in session. Fill out our interest form to receive more details and dates for this summer.
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We try to pair reading coaches with the same student as regularly as possible. However, depending on both the coach’s and the student’s schedule, this is not always possible, and so we appreciate our reading coaches’ flexibility!
Let’s connect! We’d love to meet you and explore ways you can become a part of Comunidad. Fill out our interest form here to get in touch and learn more.