CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsLeading With Reading: Two programs at elementary school

Leading With Reading: Two programs at elementary school

By Nicole Johnson  bio | email | Twitter

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - A Lowcountry teen is leading with reading by starting a project to improve literacy and get students excited about reading at James Simons Elementary School. More than half of fourth graders at the downtown Charleston school scored "below basic" on the reading portion of the state PACT test. It’s the lowest score possible.

Thirteen-year-old Tyre Moore was shocked to learn some students in Charleston County didn't have access to reading material at home.

"It was sad, and most children need books in their home because it helps them learn to like reading," Moore said.

The Buist Academy eighth grader started a book drive as a school project. He says wants to get one book per child, who may not have many books at home.

To date, Moore has collected about 15 books, but he says his goal is to get enough books to give one to all 300 students at James Simons Elementary School.

"Research shows that children who read a variety of genres at home with their families have much higher test scores and do better in every content area," Principal Lynn Owings said.

Tyre is collecting the books until February, by word of mouth and online campaign.

"Our website is www.thejamessimonsliteracyproject.weebly.com, and you can help out by donating books, donating money, magazine subscriptions, or you can donate time here and help read to a child," Mooresaid.

Another program is using books and buddies to bring elementary students who are behind up to speed with their classmates. A buddy with a lesson plan and a student meet up twice a week during the school day as part of the Charleston Book Buddies program.

"Phonics, phonemic awareness, writing, comprehension, vocabulary, and with one on one you can make sure they're getting it," Program Director Joanne Calhoun said.

Joann Calhoun heads up the non-profit program. There are 160 volunteers who tutor each child. Teachers refer students who are in the bottom half of their class, and place them into the program.

"Literature shows on the subject that if you don't learn to read by the first grade, you have an 88 percent chance of never catching up, and so the time to catch the problem is first and second grade,” Calhoun said.

The Charleston Book Buddies program is in effect at James Simons Elementary, Mary Ford Elementary, and Mitchell Elementary Schools. The program is in its pilot year and if it's successful it will be expanded to other Title 1 schools in the district.

All three locations have a paid literacy expert who creates lesson plans for the kids.

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