When Caitlin, now 11, was a first grader at Cottonwood Elementary, she always looked forward to her weekly visit with her “reading buddy,” Reading Seed coach Mrs. McKissick. As a young student, Caitlin struggled with reading and simply needed more support. Her reading coach made a significant difference in how she viewed time spent reading and school in general. “She felt like my personal teacher,” Caitlin explained.
Caitlin’s mom, Marcy, clearly remembers her daughter’s attachment to Mrs. McKissick. “Her reading buddy always made her feel special,” Marcy remarked, “never ostracized or weird. Caitlin talked about her all the time and it was clear they really bonded.” It is a testament to the Reading Seed method that Marcy also remembers Caitlin’s progress as a reader during that school year. Marcy explained, “When they started, she’d read a sentence, then Caitlin would read a sentence. Then they got to a place where she’d read a whole page and Caitlin would read a whole page.”
Caitlin’s younger brother, Shawn also participated in the Reading Seed program at Cottonwood Elementary when he was in first grade. Now 9 years old, Shawn is an excellent reader and especially enjoys book series like Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Shawn’s memories of his reading coach are less personal, but he said, “Any kid who has trouble reading should have one!”
For Caitlin, Mrs. McKissick is remembered as an old friend, “She always gave me hugs, and after I’d read, I’d go and get something from the prize box.” By changing Caitlin’s perception of reading from something negative to something to be enjoyed and anticipated, her Reading Seed coach made a lasting impact on Caitlin’s life. That is the true gift that Reading Seed volunteers bring to this community; every week of every school year – they are truly making a difference in the lives of children.
