Reading to Kids began
with a small group of volunteers, teachers, and administrators who
shared the same dream: to improve reading skills among the
elementary school children of Los Angeles.
In May 1999, a program was developed at Gratts Elementary School that
would emphasize learning and reading in an interactive and fun environment.
It was called the "Gratts Reading Club." This first reading club was held in
May 1999. The success and growth of that reading club led to the formation
of Reading to Kids later that year.
The success of Reading to Kids
is due to the Reading Club format -- reading aloud to children consistently
on the second Saturday of every month in a very fun and interactive environment
for the children and the volunteers.
From a start of only 8 volunteers reading to 20 children
at one school, Reading to Kids has grown to
an average of 287 volunteers reading to an average of 554 children prior to the COVID-19 pandemic - on average 198 volunteers reading to an average of 364 children during and since the pandemic -
at eight schools every month. With the help of a solid base of outside
organizations that act as supporters through providing volunteers and
in-kind donations, the growth continues.
Please click the play button below for a brief video about our program, featuring two of our volunteers: Board member Matthew Jones and former Reading to Kids kid and current volunteer Sarai Benitez!
