Vicky’s Story

Vicky is a SAMS reading mentor. She attends a school weekly to help support the staff and children by listening to children read. Here is her story.

After stepping away from Lunch Club I decided I would like to try something with a completely different age group and Sam’s request for Primary school Reading Mentors seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
It took awhile to get off the ground as the school has to do some checks before you have access to visiting the children. However once approved the afternoon arrived for me to start. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little apprehensive but I really didn’t need to be as I was made very welcome. Initially I was going to a variety of classes covering all primary ages. Every teacher has always welcomed the help and is so appreciative of the chance for the children to have a one to one reading experience.
I have now settled into reading with 2 classes which have year 1 (5 years old) and
2 (6 years old) children. They now recognise me and are always keen to have an opportunity to read with me. I get little chats and snippets of what’s going on with them. The Children’s reading abilities are varied and the books cover such a range of subjects.
I really enjoy my afternoons. Todays schools are very different places to my school memories back in the 60’s and to get this little insight really helps me keep in touch with the younger generation. I also feel sure that some of the children really enjoy some one to one attention and I know the teachers really appreciate the help.

So if this is something that is on your heart just give it a go. I am sure you will be pleased you took that step!

We love Vicky’s heart to serve in her community. Becoming a reading mentor is a great way to fight against the injustice of children not being able to develop their reading. This can be due to various reason such as lack of time for teachers to hear children read or lack of time, effort and ability from care givers to help their child read. Every child should be given an opportunity to develop this essential skill and becoming a reading mentor relieves a bit of the strain schools face in achieving this.