When I started reading for SMART the emphasis was primarily to teach the kids to read. Lately, however, there has been more of a trend toward communicating with the children and establishing a sense of trust and comfort. I firmly believe that establishing trust with the student is very essential. If a feeling of trust […]
stories from the SMART community:
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Story from:
Lu Streetman, Crook County
I have been involved with the SMART program for 17 years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is a very rewarding program to see kids work and strive to improve their reading skills each week. It opens their minds to a whole new world of learning. It encourages them to pursue new […]
Story from:
Doris Snodgrass, Clatsop County
My husband, Walt Snodgrass, and I moved to Seaside in 1991 and became aware of the SMART program. We volunteered at Seaside Heights. We enjoyed reading to the children for many years, and when my husband died, I continued to do so. I have kept a number of pictures that were taken of us with […]
Story from:
Kimberly Spangler, Multnomah County
A few years ago, I was reading with a 2nd grader named Jacob. He was a delightful, easy going and engaging student. During our time together, he became a more confident reader, taking over much of the reading himself. Word pattern books were a great source of success for him so we chose that type […]
Story from:
Sandy Hanneman, Tillamook County
SMART will always be important to me! Early in 2000, the program became a reality in Tillamook County. Our school (Nestucca Valley Elementary) began with a pilot program that Spring. When I retired from teaching 1st grade that Summer, I had already wholeheartedly and enthusiastically agreed to be a volunteer coordinator there. The next four […]
Story from:
Keith Ellis, Washington County
Keith started volunteering for SMART because he wanted to do something to help the community, particularly in a way that helps children succeed. As his wife is a retired teacher, volunteering as a reading mentor seemed like a natural fit. He has been a SMART reader at Echo Shaw elementary school since 1999. For Keith, […]
Story from:
Janet Bullat, Wallowa County
Janet was introduced to SMART when the program started at the elementary school across the street from her daughter’s middle school in 1993. Her daughter’s teacher, Mrs. Colvin, had encouraged her students to take part in this new volunteering opportunity, so Janet decided to join her daughter. Every week, the two of them would read […]
Story from:
Elizabeth Rea, Linn County
My experience with SMART began in 1992, the first year we had the opportunity in Albany. I had to stop in 2010, due to health reasons, or I’d still be there. One highlight for me was having Zack for a partner. When he entered the room, he would pause; break out in a huge grin, then rush […]
Story from:
Don Rea, Linn County
I admit it. I like SMART reading because I like kids. I’ve been doing it since 1993. And, it’s a cause worthy of my time and energy. Many memories. One that stands out is of a young lad in grade 2 that was having trouble with his reading. He didn’t like to read and at SMART he […]
Grace Sledge, Multnomah County
Some time ago, I received notes from the mothers of the children I worked with. A couple times I got Christmas cards, thanking me for working with their child. At the end of SMART, depending on the available funds, the schools held various activities. They would have little parties with punch and cookies. The kids […]