BookPALS is an interactive mentoring program that pairs trained community volunteers with 2nd/3rd graders for weekly or bi-weekly small-group reading support.

Each child meets regularly with the same reading mentor and 1–3 peers at similar levels to read together, practice specific skills to reinforce classroom instruction, and participate in engaging activities that build competence & confidence as readers.

All literacy activities are designed by our staff, are based in the Science of Reading, and are in alignment with the Michigan Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts, ensuring instructional relevance and support for grade-level proficiency.

Its virtual complement follows the same structure via Zoom, strengthening language skills beyond the school day and in the summer. Its staff-monitored, curriculum-based, facilitated format connects students from different schools and backgrounds through reading. To encourage reading at-home and grow home libraries, students receive 4-5 brand-new books throughout the program based on reading level/interests.

Volunteer experience: 

Serve as a reading mentor to small groups of 2nd/3rd graders to motivate and support them to be reading and writing proficiently by the end of 3rd grade. We meet with children right at their schools in Washtenaw County, and online through Zoom! Volunteers commit to working with children for at least half of the school year, but we will do our best to accommodate your schedule if you let us know!

Donations:

$25 provides a group of BookPALS with their very own, hand-picked gift books.
$100 supports the cost of activity/lesson materials for a month.
$300 provides an entire classroom with their personal, leveled reading books.