StoryPals
StoryPals is an innovative program for four and five-year olds, which uses the evidence-based dialogic reading method. In dialogic reading, trained volunteers model reading books with questioning strategies and assist students in becoming the storytellers.
Be a StoryPals Volunteer
The StoryPals program provides quality reading experiences and supports the development of language and early literacy skills. The intended goal is to increase participant readiness for school and help lay the foundation necessary for them to become proficient readers. Volunteers are trained to work with students using a research-based Dialogic Reading method to develop background knowledge and vocabulary, grow spoken language skills and encourage children to use reading comprehension elements to retell stories and make literary connections to their personal experiences.
Training and materials will be provided. Volunteer tutors must be at least 14 years old. All volunteers will undergo a background check. Transportation to and from the tutoring site is the responsibility of the tutor. Volunteers are expected to be there 15 minutes prior and 15 minutes after to prepare and complete paperwork.
StoryPals Volunteers
Guidelines for Dialogic Reading in Small Groups
This video was taken at Central Elementary School in December 2015. StoryPals volunteer Martha Pitt uses Dialogic Reading techniques to read The Wolf's Chicken Stew by Keiko Kasza.
Contact RRSC at laurageake@raising-readers.org for more information or with questions about the StoryPals program.
