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A wonderful project to build relationships with kids

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This is my third year participating in Project Read. Reading to children is not only about teaching them knowledge, but also exploring a journey of growth together. I still remember when my students drew pictures of us holding hands and becoming friends in the notebook. It meant a lot to me that moment to be able to witness their creative thoughts. My understanding of the uniqueness of each child has been enriched by this project. Their curiosity and ideas about the world are expressed in a variety of picture books. It is so amazing in this project.

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Thank You Project READ!!! ❤️ - Jerry Wang

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Thank You Project READ!!! ❤️ - Jerry Wang

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I really love the experience of working in Project READ, through this program, I not only get a better and deeper understanding of my major contents, but get a direct touch and feeling about the American K-12 education system, which enables me understand better about how and why the theories are in my major study.
The community created by this excellent program is not only for the student, or me, or other team members, but for everyone, which means the community we build up together under the frame of the program makes everyone thrive. I really cherish the opportunity and time to work with the student in the program, while I also cherish our excellent team. In addition to work with the kids in school every week, I do learn a lot from each weeks seminar with our teammates. With their help, I found much more useful teaching materials, methods, and resources. Working in the Project with our experienced team members, who are excellent teachers too, I feel that I am also a student, and there is much more that I can learn and improve for myself. I appreciate that Project READ enables me to fulfill my passion to teach. Also, I feel grateful for Dr. Carol St. George. Being part of this program also makes me so proud of my educational mission and role here.

Thank You Project READ!!! ❤️

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I think Project Read is a warm family for me. Every week, we had the chance to meet each other, talk about our concerns, and share our new observations or findings. I learned many useful literacy teaching strategies in Project Read and had the opportunity to practice them immediately in School 33. Kids in School 33 were cute and energetic. Talking with them and reading to them can always make my day. Furthermore, I knew some friendly, enthusiastic, and helpful teachers in Project Read who are always concerned about children's literacy development and eager to provide enough support for children. For example, they offer free books to students to take home and help children build up family libraries. Dr. St. George, Shiyi, and Karrie are awesome. As an international student, I always had some confusion and difficulties while volunteering, but they were always available, provided timely support, and constantly encouraged and cared for us. So the days in Project Read were so wonderful for me, and I would value the time forever.

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Last year was my first year at EAST and teaching middle school students. AND we were remote! My Project READ interns helped with Zoom small group breakout rooms. They built relationships with students and motivated them to learn! It was amazing and I can't imagine having made it through the year without them!!!

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Programs like Project Read are needed more than ever. The students I work with at School 33 were just three years old when Covid 19 sent us into lockdown. They missed critical opportunities to build foundational literacy skills. The targeted, individualized support offered through Project Read will be crucial for closing academic gaps. I graduated three years ago from the Warner School, but I still participate in Project Read because I believe so strongly in the mission and its impact. Dr. St. George is a gift to UR and to all the students, teachers, and candidates she supports.

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I had the AMAZING opportunity to participate in Project Read over a decade ago when it was at School 36. I am so grateful for my time in Project Read because it gave me a chance to connect with students and teachers before I started my student teaching placement. Dr. St. George is an incredible mentor who teaches through example at all times. I remember one time I was struggling with a student who seemed to just memorize what was on the page without looking at the words. I didn't have any strategies yet on how to address this. Dr. St. George immediately modeled three different strategies while making it a collaborative effort between all three of us--myself, the student, and Dr. St. George. The student was engaged and learning. I was engaged and learning. And no one was embarassed. Dr. St. George's kindness envelops her teaching style and mentorship, which is then shared and amplified through the Read Project.

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I am so thankful for Project Read volunteers in my classroom. Last year, during covid the volunteers helped to manage breakout rooms and work with students 1:1 to help them stay focused and ensure task completion. Students loved working with them and I was extremely grateful for the support and help in a crazy/hectic time in the education world. This year, being back in person, Project Read volunteers provided students with an amazing opportunity to work 1:1 with them. Project Read volunteers established great relationships with the students and the students loved the candy they would bring :-)

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Simply put, Project READ is the way things should be done. The partnership benefits both the graduate students who gain valuable experience and students who get the 1-1 or small group learning they need to thrive. I was a Project READ intern in 2015-2016 and the experience has stayed with me ever since. I’ve kept the thank you notes and photos from my students there to remind me of these sweet first graders who are so eager to learn and how our system is failing many of them. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and for Dr. St George’s leadership and stewardship with this endeavor.

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I really appreciated being part of Project Read when I was in my Master's program at Warner. I learned so much from working with 1st graders at #33 school; it was my first time teaching little kids! I'm so happy that the project is still moving forward and Dr. St. George still helps facilitate these experiences. Project Read at East is also very much appreciated. Building relationships and having a friendly face during independent reading time goes a long way to bring kids into authentic reading experiences that help them grow.