How might we improve literacy skills in 1st and 2nd graders?
Open Book Adventures is One Stone’s free tutoring and mentoring program for first and second grade students. Once a week for five weeks, the first and second grade “Buddies” are paired with a One Stone “Adventure Guide” for an hour and a half of reading, writing, games and connection. Open Book Adventures provides leadership opportunities for One Stone student members and forges an unparalleled bond between guide and buddy.
The theme of this session was Open Book Adventures: Healthy Living. Buddies and their guides spent five weeks exploring each of the five food groups through writing prompts, trace words and snacks. Each buddy spent time practicing their reading and handwriting skills as well as have conversations about what living healthy looks like.
The session culminated in a celebration of their accomplishments at Open Book Adventures graduation. Each student received a kids cookbook and certificate of awesomeness for completing the program. Each One Stone Adventure Guide shared a highlight they had with their buddy and celebrated achievements with the families of their buddies.
Outcomes
This Open Book Adventures session showed solid improvements in reading with an average 15.9% increase in reading proficiency from week 1 to week 5.
What did parents have to say?
“Since starting the program he reads to himself before bed (even after story time with us)!”
“They always loved reading and this was a great reinforcement.”
“Her favorite part of the week was spending time with her older buddy!”
