Will I be able to select my students?
Each Reading Coach will be assigned two students in the same grade and with similar reading levels. If you have been a Reading Explorers Reading Coach in the past, every effort will be made to allow you to work with the same students. Moving forward, we expect that Reading Coaches may choose to continue to mentor the same students as they progress to the next grade level.
Why do I have two students instead of one?
Four reasons. First, with two students you can help each individual child while also helping to build positive peer relationships. Second, having two students helps us reach more children as we are growing the program. Third, if one of your students is absent, you’ll still have a reading explorer to work with each week. And finally, we think mentors will have more fun with two Reading Explorers!
How long is my commitment to serve as a Reading Coach?
These students are in need of continuity and stability in their lives. To help meet these needs, we ask that our Reading Coaches agree to volunteer for a minimum of one school year.
What if I can’t be there for a session?
If you are not able to keep your session for the week, please email dpeslis@sandridgeenergy.com. Please indicate your name and your students’ names.
How should I deal with a child who is misbehaving?
Behavior problems are common among at-risk youth. As Reading Coaches, we need to assist these youth in improving their control over their emotions and behaviors by keeping them engaged in the program. If a problem persists, be patient with the child. They want to feel safe and secure and may test these boundaries. Remember to always focus on the positive aspects of a child’s behavior. If one child is being disruptive, point out what another child is doing really well.
If the problem continues to occur, please contact the on-site Reading Explorers leader, or in his or her absence, the school principal.
What should I do if one of my students doesn’t want to try or is uncooperative?
Encourage your student to do his or her best. Focus on the positives, saying things like, “I know that vocabulary word wasn’t easy for you to sound out, but you worked hard and made it through.” Try pointing out what another student is doing well or how much fun another student is having.
What should I do if one of my students tells me something about which I am concerned?
Speak with the on-site Reading Explorers Lead and/or contact Don Peslis at dpeslis@sandridgeenergy.com