Wellesley Words on Wheels
Wellesley Words on Wheels (WWOW) is a volunteer program that provides Reading Buddies for Framingham kindergartners who need help with their early literacy skills. The program, which is collaboration between the Center for Work and Service and Framingham Public Schools, organizes volunteers to serve as one-on-one literacy tutors to kindergartners. The ability to read well has been shown as one of the prime indicators of a child’s future academic success. Based on this, it is critical that all children have the skills needed to grasp reading instruction as early as possible. Since January 1997, WWOW volunteers have helped more than 700 Framingham kindergartners develop the pre-reading proficiency they need for first grade.
Background
Wellesley Words on Wheels was formed as a response to the wide range of reading readiness abilities of incoming kindergarten students in the Framingham Pubic Schools. As children progress through school, their literacy skills and attitudes toward reading can profoundly affect their performance in all subject areas. To help prepare students for reading success, WWOW strives to provide trained tutors to:
- support students’ acquisition of critical early literacy skills, specifically in the areas of letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and print awareness;
- increase and maximize children’s literacy exposures by reading aloud and using a variety of hands-on activities;
- foster a love for books and reading through role modeling and positive, interactive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is required to be a volunteer?
Volunteers must be punctual, responsible, committed, and enthusiastic. Because the weekly commitment to the child is critical, potential volunteers should very carefully consider their overall time constraints before applying. New volunteers must attend a mandatory training session prior to their first meeting with their buddy. Additionally, all volunteers are required to attend one training workshop per semester. This yearlong program begins in the fall semester, however, there may be opportunities to join in the spring semester if space becomes available.
How much time is necessary in order to volunteer?
WWOW volunteers devote approximately 2-1/2 hours a week to the program. This time includes meeting with their buddies once a week for 30 minutes plus travel time, for which approximately 45 minutes is allocated each way.
Who are the children selected to participate in the program?
Teachers select children who they have identified as needing help with their reading readiness skills. Framingham has district-wide “literacy benchmarks” for all kindergartners. Teachers will use a student’s progress towards these benchmarks as part of the criteria for placement.
How do volunteers travel to the schools?
Volunteers travel in groups to the schools for their weekly reading sessions in one of two ways. Volunteers with a valid license can drive the college’s community service vehicles. If a student has her own car, she can drive herself and other members of her group to the school site. If the student does not have a license, she will be placed with a group that has a driver.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted at the beginning of each semester. For more information, please contact Melissa Hawkins, Director of Service and Stipend Programs, CWS, mhawkins@wellesley.edu.
