Making the Grade Jefferson Reading Help

Jefferson Elementary students are getting some one-on-one help and it's all to help them become stronger readers.
Members of the "Our Redeemer Lutheran Church have teamed up with Partners In Education and adopted Jefferson Elementary to help students become more confident in their reading.
Eddie Randle explains in tonight's Making the Grade.

It is so important for us to encourage our children and by listening to them read and it gives them that confidence

Having someone listen to you read is always beneficial to any student.
That's why WFISD Partners In Education have partnered up with members of the "Our Redeemer Lutheran Church" for their listening ears reading program.
This group currently has about ten volunteers who come to the school not to teach but to listen.
Those "listening ears" are helping students turn the pages.

"They get that confidence they can do a good job and that intimidation of reading out loud is taken a way, the one on one makes it a more intimate relationship and we develop a friendship as well", said "Listening Ears" Chairwoman, Brenda Hutchins.

Ansley Edwards favorite books are Dr. Suess.
She says the volunteers let her read fun books like she reads at home.
Which is what she did today.

"My little sister swallowed a hare.

What is that about?

This little girl swallows a hare and a lot of other animals", said 2nd grader Ansley Edwards.

Those who lend their ears range from former teachers and retirees to those who even give up their lunch our to give back to the kids.
They benefit from this experience just like the students.

"It provides a way for our members to give to the community and then on a personal basis we get that enjoyment from seeing those smiles and the learning that we see taking place is amazing", said Hutchins.

In addition to the listening ears reading program church members also help the school manage there clothes closet which provides uniforms for some of the students.