through 0 n the f i rstday of school, elementary students got excited about lunch boxes, cubbyholes, colorful classrooms and Dr. Seuss. Starting with "I before Eexcept after C," children began learning to read. But for the kids who had trouble decoding the first page of uidonce one-on-one with kids who needed help with reading, and I had a lot of trouble explaining the differences in two, to, and too, the different uses of the word 'rose,' and so many other oddities." This bump in the road did not hinder Clay's plans for being an educator, however. In fact, this "bump" did quite the opposite. "America Reads helped me realize more deeply why I want The Cat in the Hat, there were students ready to give them the individual attention they needed through the America Reads program. ,----;;~••r-rr·~--:: to be a teacher," Clay said. "It's rewarding I to help kids learn how to do something "America Reads is a national government-sponsored program that is designed to help kids enhance their reading skills and comprehension levels," Desarae Smith, the director of the America Reads program for the past three yems, said. "It gives kids in our schools some one-on-one attention and a focused time of improving their reading." that is so important and that will create opportunities for them for the rest of their lives." Smith said her favorite aspect of the program was giving special attention to children. "My favorite part of [America Reads] was watching the kids' faces light up when they got to a new level in their reading," Smith said. "Being able to stay with one kid or a small group of kids for a semester and see the progress they make is really encouraging." This program, sponsored by the College of Education, sent students to tutor elementary and middle school level students in reading and comprehension. "The students simply help the kids with the basics of reading," education professor Ken Stamatis said. "You do not have to be an education maJor to be a part of America Reads. It is open to all majors." At Westside Elementary, senior Kendra Smith Aips Aoshcords to help a student in Mrs. Roney's kindergarten class on Nov. 18. The overage classroom hod one teacher per 25 students. Abby Kellett Not only were the tutors teaching the kids;.they were also making a difference in the1r lives. "A IC\of the kids are starving for some love and attention and affirmation," Smith said. "E~I'l:·though my first job was to tutor for'~eading, it was a huge priority Junior Allie Clay, an English major, was a part of America Reads in spring 2010 and helped tutor at Westside Elementary. Studying to become an English teacher, Clay came across some unexpected challenges that changed her view on educating. "The biggest thing !learned was just how difficult the English language is- especially to a first grader," Clay said. "I worked 18 6 academics to show love to some kids who need it." With programs such as America Reads, Harding students once again were able to go out into their communities, take the hand of someone in need of guidance or a good role model and lead them down a path to a better future. john Mark Adkison
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