We train volunteers how to help children in grades 2-5 learn to read, write and spell using the Wordstorming program.
Our MissionSeveral programs have volunteers who go into schools to read to children or provide books for children, but the goal of the Reading Brigade is to train volunteers in a program called Wordstorming so literacy skills can be developed during each session. If a volunteer is willing to spend time helping a child, the goal of the Wordstorming program is to maximize that time spent for the tutor and the child.
Our PartnersThe Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church
The Gayton Kirk is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church USA and serves those in our congregation through quality worship experiences, educational opportunities for all ages, a beautiful and well-maintained facility, and loving support. We are further called to share our gifts, talents, and resources with those in the Henrico, VA community and beyond to serve those in need. In the late 1970’s, Hanover Presbytery purchased the property for new church development at the corner of Gayton and Ryandale roads. First Presbyterian Church of Richmond became the sponsoring church for the Gayton Kirk (Presbyterian Church USA). In September 2007, Rev. Janet James answered the call to become the Gayton Kirk’s pastor.
Educational Enterprises, Inc.
Educational Enterprises, Inc. was formed in 1994 by Karen Rooney, Ph.D. and its mission is to empower individuals through education. Dr. Rooney is a past member of the national board of the International Dyslexia Association, was a recipient of the Rebecca Brock Richardson award, was a representative on the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities, is past-president of the Division for Learning Disabilities of the Council for Exceptional Children, and was Chair of the National Adolescent Literacy Coalition. Dr. Rooney has published Wordstorming and Reverse Diagramming as well as manuals on strategy instruction for middle school students (Independent Strategies for Efficient Study), and for high school students (Learning Strategies: Empowering Students for Success, grades 9-12, published by Corwin Press).
What is Wordstorming?Wordstorming, a user-friendly literacy program to help struggling readers and writers, will:
•Engage oral language, known
vocabulary and prior knowledge in the
instruction
•Develop decoding skills
•Practice the application of learned
sound-symbol associations and syllable
patterns
•Develop vocabulary
•Improve spelling
•Embed skills in text through writing
•Practice writing paragraphs or stories
•Increase reading fluency
The lesson is scripted and the process is the same for each lesson. Lessons are based on the recommendations of the National Reading Panel, and are easy to do.
Each lesson includes a word wheel to identify words using a specific sound, and making cards on those words to be used during the lesson to practice sounding out the words and spelling the words. Knowledge of the meaning of the words is checked, and the words are used to write a story that is then read by the child to develop reading fluency and confidence.
What training will volunteers need?
The program is scripted, and the process can be taught in a 2 hour workshop. Administrators/tutors who are identified by the organization would attend the two hour training session, and the sponsoring agency will be responsible for the implementation. If you wish to be a volunteer agency (such as PTA, Church, Community Organization), or get more information about volunteering, please call (804) 747-1883 or send an email to edenterinc@aol.com.
How much time is required for the volunteer?
After the training, each identified child would connect with the tutor for two sessions each week. This can be done by one volunteer twice a week for an hour each time, or by two volunteers, working as a team, each doing one of the two weekly sessions.
What would the process look like for my organization?
The training can take place at the organization’s location, the Gayton Kirk or Educational Enterprises, and will be offered at no cost at this time (materials are currently available through a contribution by Educational Enterprises, Inc.). In the future, the program would be available at cost.
Administrators/tutors who are identified by the sponsoring organization would attend the two-hour training and the follow-up session.
The training uses a “Trainer of Trainers” model, and the organization will be fully responsible for the implementation of the program so each organization can customize the program to its needs. Educational Enterprises, Inc. and the Gayton Kirk will have no responsibility or liability other than providing the training.
VolunteerIf you wish to be a volunteer agency (such as PTA, Church, Community Organization), a volunteer or get more information about volunteering, please call 804-747-1883 or send an email to edenterinc@aol.com.
Thank you for thinking about being a volunteer!
DonateIf you would like to donate to provide on-going support and scholarships for materials, please contact Janet James at (804) 741-5254 or Karen Rooney at (804) 747-1883.
Contact Us11421 Gayton Rd.
Henrico, VA 23238
(804) 741-5254
8545 Patterson Avenue, Suite 101
Richmond, VA 23229
www.krooney.com