While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Beth developed a 3rd grade reading buddies program for students and family volunteers. Read more about her plan below.
Introduction
I am a parent leader in the Olentangy Local School District. As a devoted parent and involved member of our school community, I share the the District’s mission “grounded in its pursuit to facilitate maximum learning for every student,” and firmly believe that each and every student deserves the opportunity to be successful within the school setting. This responsibility lies with both parents and teachers to foster that development. It has been identified by the school’s principal that family involvement and volunteerism has never “rebounded” since Covid. Also identified is that, around the third grade level, the focus of reading becomes less about enjoyment and more about academics and test scores. The purpose of the For The Love for Literacy project is to increase family engagement/volunteerism while promoting a love for reading, family bonding, and the strengthening of the school to family connection.
Goal
By the end of November 2026, the school will implement a “reading buddies” program titled “For The Love of Literacy” for third grade students and their volunteering loved ones, hosting a total of at least 10% of the total class, in efforts to increase family engagement and volunteerism within the school community while promoting a love for reading and opportunities for family-school connections.
Expected Outcomes
Those to benefit from this project are the participating students and family members as well as the school community at large. The concentration of this project focuses on increasing involvement of families within the school setting – which has shown to have profound effects on all participants involved in addition to the relationships between the supporting adults and school staff. Ultimate success looks like consistent attendance with at least 10% of the third grade participating during the project period, and positive feedback by participants and staff. Ideally, the ultimate goal is to expand this trial project to the end of this year and beyond including other grade levels, involving possible themed weeks, and adding additional programming such as a Literacy Night and a “Reading Workshop”/seminar for parents.
Potential Challenges
The greatest challenge that For the Love of Literacy faces is initial and sustained participation: participation of the students and parents and the support of staff. Promoting the benefits of gathering during the school day to read together versus “just reading in the comfort of home” will be key. Similarly, the willingness of the teachers to integrate the program into their school day will be imperative.
Next Steps
Prior to the start of summer break (May 2026,) I will meet with the principal for final approval of the For the Love of Literacy project. I, too, hope to meet with the librarian and with the current third grade teachers to establish rapport, gain feedback, and present the structure of the program. In addition, details of the program, including the location of the reading sessions and the method by which parents will sign up to volunteer, will be identified. Prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year, teacher assignments and contact information will also be confirmed, so that For the Love of Literacy can hit the ground running on the first day of school.