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Early Literacy Classes for Preschoolers

According to the latest report by the Department of Education, over one million students in the U.S. drop out of school every year and 85% of juvenile offenders are illiterate.  It’s crucial for everyone in society to be able to read and write, as a foundation for life and the well-being of our entire world.

Evidence shows that learning to read is not a naturally occurring stage in a child's life.  These skills must be taught, and the earlier the better.  Create Now! values our literacy programs as one of the key components that we offer to high-risk and at-risk youth in the community.

Thanks to our sponsor the Verizon Foundation, Create Now! has successfully collaborated with Children’s Institute to bring an early literacy program called “SuperStart” to at-risk youth of Southern California.  This project meets the needs of pre-school youth in learning the basics of reading and the alphabet.

Elise Chung contacted Create Now! in April 2006 with a desire to mentor young children.  Having received her B.A. in Art History and Education at UCLA, Elise is currently working towards her Masters degree in elementary education.  Create Now! found the perfect location for Elise to volunteer, right in her own neighborhood.  Children’s Institute, Inc. has been serving at-risk youth for over 100 years and they know the importance of early education and literacy.   We sent Elise to meet with their Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Barnes, and she was quick to match her with their “SuperStart” program.  Elise volunteered for two hours on Saturdays to help the dozen pre-schoolers participating in the classes.

Elise not only taught the basics of literacy, but also simple math skills.  Every child got to write and draw a book and at the end of each workshop, they were given snacks and prizes as rewards.  All the children had a wonderful time, but none more than our volunteer mentor, Elise.  She says of her experience, “The kids were delightful to work with.  Each child had their own unique personality.  Our team was able to provide the one-on-one attention that each child deserved.  It was gratifying to see such improvement in their studies upon their completion of the six-week program.”

Not only does Elise feel like she made a difference in the lives of these children and their education through volunteering, but she’s also gaining first-hand knowledge about the challenges of teaching.  Plus, she has enhanced her resumé for her future job search.

Elise has made some valuable contacts for her career.  Barbara Barnes says, “Elise Chung has hung in there with us.  She is a super teacher and a reliable, hard-working part of our volunteer team. She really makes “SuperStart” her own.  We love her!!”

Elise’s skills have also benefited the Children’s Institute in another important way.  Some of the children that they serve have recently immigrated from South Korea.  They come from poor families that are struggling to integrate into their new city and many of them don’t speak English.  Elise is fluent in Korean.  She’s been able to translate for some of the staff at the facility.  The new kids are delighted to have a mentor that understands them.  Elise notes, “Upon the completion of the six-week program, we hold a ceremony.  It was uplifting to hear many of the parents thanking us for their child’s improvement.  Their teachers were commenting on how much they’ve improved in class and the parents were seeing improvement at home as well.  These are the reasons why I choose to volunteer my time.”

“SuperStart” was such a success that it's continuing for other groups of children.  Elise says, “If I could at least help one child, then I know that I have fulfilled my duty to the community.”

We’re grateful to Elise for being part of the Create Now! community.