One thing that stands out for me about GBJCL is the flexibility of the program. We strive to help each school and its partner organization create a model that works for them. At most schools, and for most volunteers, that model includes 1-on-1 tutoring. However, there are some exceptions to this model, which I am excited to highlight in a short series of blog articles called “A Closer Look.”

Jill Jacobs, a professional voice-over talent, uses her skill in weekly read-aloud sessions with students at the Beethoven-Ohrenberger School in West Roxbury. Reading aloud makes a significant impact on student learning– it promotes vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, curiosity, and appreciation of books.* Anyone who has listened to both a book on tape recorded by actors and contrasted it with an electronic reading from an e-reader knows the impact that a theatrical voice like Jill’s can make on a listener. Students particularly enjoy when Jill masterfully employs silly voices for characters, which causes them to erupt in laughter. In honor of World Read Aloud Day (March 7, 2012), we joined Jill in the classroom as she read to a group of third graders. Click below to watch a short video, featuring Jill, about the power of reading aloud!

Stay tuned for future blog posts celebrating unique volunteer formats in the months to come.

*http://www.reachoutandread.org/parents/readingaloud/

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