Honors Program K-3 Reading Initiative

The "Honors Delegates" of The Honors Program

Want to do something special for a local kindergarten-3rd grade student? As a part of Ohio Reads, the K-3 Reading Initiative works with students in four elementary schools near campus. You'd need to spend 1-2 hours per week interacting with your student.

About fifty-three Honors students have particpated in this program since 1998. Students receive training for the program and are provided with a $250 book purchase voucher at the end of the tutoring experience. This link between the brightest students at the University and the children in the community has proven to be a positive and meaningful experience for all those involved. Contact program director Dr. Brown-Wright at dbrown-wright@uakron.edu if you want to volunteer. Download this two-page Word brochure about becoming a member of this program.

Robert Sparhawk
Principal, Portage Path Elementary School

It is with much pleasure that I write to thank you for the opportunity of being included in the K-3 Reading Initiative. You students and staff provide much aid and friendship to our students at Portage Path. Any help in promoting reading among your students is appreciated. Your program fits in well and we look forward to a long and productive partnership. We consider ourselves blessed when qualified persons take the time for the youth of tomorrow.

Ruthie Schadle
Crosby Elementary School

I am having a really great time with her kids. There was one boy who hugged me on the very first day when I got there and again when I left, and he thanked me for reading to him. There was also a little girl who just kept talking and talking and asked me when I would be coming back. I just love it!

Alexxis McConnell
Crouse Elementary School

To make sure they felt they were special and not behind compare to other kids, I made sure that working with 'Miss Alexxis' was a fun privilege.

Teressa Malone
Crosby Elementary School

As for the children, they are steadily improving. This semester I will be
working with all of the children. Each day that I volunteer, I will read
with the children one at a time and learn what skills they are lacking, and then work with them on those skills.

Brianna Christian
University of Akron Center for Child Development
The teacher, Mrs. Graves, loves having me as it helps her out a lot in the classroom. She told me today how the kids are getting familiar with my schedule and look forward to my visits. Mrs. Graves has noticed their enthusiasm for reading and the enthusiasm that my visits promote.

Note: Pictures are not necessarily of the students quoted.