How it Works:

Participants in grades 1st-8th will join the Zoom meeting in a quiet place ready to read. Project Transformation will email volunteers digital books before the session that are on the participant’s reading level. Volunteers and participants will read in a Zoom breakout room. Volunteers will share their screen so both volunteers and participants can see the provided digital text. Volunteers will listen to participants read, offer encouragement and strategies, and ask comprehension questions.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Individuals interested in volunteering will need a laptop or computer, an understanding of Zoom, and the ability to share their screen while volunteering.
• All volunteers must complete the Virtual Reading Buddy training prior to their registration being approved. This is a digital training that will be emailed to volunteers when they register. The training shares information about the mission and programs of Project Transformation as well as session logistics including information about how to utilize digital books during the session.
• If you were a summer and/or an online Reading Buddy last school year, training may be optional.
• Volunteers who are 18+ must clear a background check before their registration is approved. High school volunteers are welcome (there is no background check for volunteers under 18).

Two PT staff members will be on every Zoom session to ensure the safety of the participants and volunteers. The Zoom information as well as a digital Tips and Tricks document will be provided to all volunteers via email once they have completed training and cleared the background check. Digital books to be used during each session are emailed to volunteers before each volunteer session.