Reading Tutors Honored by the Children They Helped

The boy with the big, gaptoothed smile had begged his tutor not to forget reading to him.

The girl with the little hands pleaded with her tutor to teach her how to read, so she could then teach her mother.

“These children need us,” said Betty Wexler, a literacy volunteer and coordinator for Rolling Readers’ San Fernando Valley chapter, a nonprofit group that deploys volunteers into elementary schools to help students who cannot read at grade level.

Nearly 48 students at Shirley Avenue Elementary School reciprocated Tuesday by honoring the 12 Rolling Readers who have read them stories and helped them make sense out of words, sounding out letters and stringing them into sentences.

Students clapped, hugged and thanked the volunteers as both children and tutors received applause and certificates during the ceremony.

As schools across the San Fernando Valley wrap up the year with ceremonies honoring the estimated 80 Rolling Readers who have helped more than 100 first- through third-graders, Wexler is starting an intense recruitment for volunteers for the 1999-2000 school year.

Rolling Readers has chapters throughout the country.

So far, most volunteers with the Valley chapter are senior citizens who have time to devote several hours a week at a school. Other volunteers include retired teachers, judges, homemakers and college students.

All volunteers receive training--and “a good feeling,” said volunteer Jane Halperin, 74, of Sherman Oaks. “Reading is so important,” she said, “and you can tell the child really needs you.”

Dorothy Labowe, 91, of Encino is a former teacher who was recognized for her enthusiasm in helping students, even if it meant studying in rooms as small as a closet.

“What difference does it make?” she asked. “They’re still learning to read.”

Anyone interested in volunteering may call (818) 882-5176.