Jim Trelease to open the new ACTS year

Date: 9/15/2009

ACTS (Action Centered Tutoring Services) will begin its 24th year providing free one-to-one tutoring and mentoring to the children of Springfield after school at eight churches around the city by offering a workshop called "Developing Strong Readers Through the Tutoring Relationship" on Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 915 Plumtree Road., in Springfield.

Trelease, well-known local author of "The Read-Aloud Handbook," will share his insights of the past 30 years. Since writing his million-copy bestseller in 1982, he has traveled to all 50 states and abroad, advocating the benefits of reading aloud to children. In doing so, he's won the applause of both teachers and parents for his pleas in behalf of literacy efforts that contain less "pain" and more focus on turning books into friends, not enemies.

ACTS is joining with READ, which is a new initiative of the Davis Foundation's Cherish Every Child initiative that encourages parents to read to their children, beginning in infancy and has a goal of having all children reading proficiently by fourth grade.

Volunteer tutors will be encouraged to read aloud to their student for part of the session each week, which also includes work on math and homework. Books will also be sent home with parents to use with their preschoolers.

This workshop is open to the public and particularly to those with an interest in learning more about becoming a tutor in the ACTS program. No experience is needed; only a desire to make a difference in the life of a child and a willingness to commit to two hours per week. Training will be provide. Call John Howell, executive director, at 221-7980 for more information.