Opinion

LITERACY

By Maggie Repko, education cooRdinatoR

Reading is an awesome hobby, but for kids who struggle in their reading level it can seem like an impossible chore. At the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, we recognized that many of our kids need extra help with reading and writing, so we developed an amazing literacy program to respond to those issues. Our program include reading, spelling, handwriting, and conversation games and lessons to develop skills in each youth, determined by their entering skill level and what they love doing! Over the last few years, we have been able to reach hundreds of youth and seen a 60% reading improvement rate through the San Diego Reading Assessment. The United Way has also responded to literacy problems in youth with a generous grant that has allowed us to build a partnership with all Northern Nevada Boys & Girls Clubs to share ideas and best practices. When we help develop a child’s passion for reading it spreads like gossip in a small town: suddenly friends, siblings, and eavesdroppers are coming to the literacy program asking to join. And who could say no kids who just want to read? Moving forward, we hope to implement literacy programs and reading initiatives at each of our Club sites and make sure every kid has books at home to read. Icecycle Creamery & Pedalers Deli

6147 Lakeside Dr., Ste. 102, Reno, NV 89511 (775) 827-2777 • www.icecyclecreamery.com

Maya Lopez, Age 8