How might we improve literacy skills in first and second graders?
Open Book Adventures (OBA) is One Stone’s longest running program for first and second graders around the Treasure Valley. OBA connects learning with fun for participants and provides high schoolers an opportunity to expand their skills in leadership, problem-solving, and empathy.
Every Monday for six weeks, 32 first and second grade students and 35 high school students came to One Stone headquarters to practice reading, work on their handwriting and storytelling skills, and engage with high school mentors. Younger buddies were paired one-on-one with high school Adventure Guides and worked together to develop a passion for reading and writing.
Through the session’s theme, “All About Me,” participants explored the concept of the autobiography. Each week, pairs read stories and took on prompts in their activity books examining themes such as physical attributes, family, friends, favorite activities, school, and “my future.”
At the end of the six week session, families gathered to celebrate the hard work and improvements of their little learners at Open Book Adventures graduation. Each student received a take-home keepsake journal and a certificate of accomplishment 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:
Results from pre- and post-timed reading tests showed, on average, a 22% increase in reading proficiency throughout the six weeks.
After the event, 95% of Adventure Guides reported feeling moderately or extremely comfortable in working with children.
Overall, One Stone received extremely positive feedback from parents. Some of the most enthusiastic responses received from parents were:
When asked how their child changed their outlook on reading through OBA, two parents said: It’s “like a switch has turned on! He’s reading on his own without being asked!”
“She is way more willing to read and even seeks it out on her own.”
100% of parents chose “Strongly Agree” or “Agree,” when asked if their child enjoyed spending time with their buddy, AND when asked if they were excited to come back to Open Book Adventures.
When asked if their child’s reading proficiency was improved through Open Book Adventures, 77% of parents chose “Agree” or “Strongly Agree.”
From the High School students’ perspectives:
“OBA mostly helps me learn how to work with children, but it also helps me better learn to problem solve.”
“I learned how different children’s reading skills are, even at the same age.”
“My buddy stepped out of her comfort zone, wrote a whole book, and gave it to me!”
“When my buddy was a little shy and not doing his work, I gave him a tour and it helped him feel more comfortable, and he started doing his work again.”
