Learning to read - a story of success!
Amy had always wanted to be a confident reader. A chance visit from Suffolk Libraries inspired her to give it a go. Louise (Haverhill Hub volunteer) offered to help. The piece below tells their amazing story and highlights what a huge impact one volunteer can have.
Amy’s story…
Before you started your sessions with Louise how much were you able to read?
“I could read a bit, not much. I was reading / looking at TV magazines. I knew I wanted to read more things but didn’t know how to. I couldn’t read things like road or street signs”
What things did you find hard about not being able to read well?
“I was frustrated, I wanted to read things but I couldn’t”
How did it feel when you first started the sessions?
“It was difficult at first but Louise was very patient with me”
How did getting better at reading make you feel?
“My confidence has definitely gone up, Louise would agree with that. I am really grateful to Louise for helping me I am really proud of myself”
How has improving your reading helped you in your every day life? Are there things that you can do now that perhaps you couldn’t do before?
“I can read street signs now! I read more complicated books and magazines. I have learnt things from the books I read. I can read things like the dates on food. It helps me everyday”
What are you working on now?
“We have done over 100 sessions!” I got a special certificate to mark this. I am on level 4 books. I want to go on to new books in the future. I feel very optimistic”
Louise’s thoughts…
How did you know where to start?
“The visit from Suffolk Libraries inspired Amy, her hand shot up when the lady asked who wanted to get better at reading. I said I was willing to help. I had a little bit of past experience”
Where did you get your resources and did you get any advice or training to help you with the sessions?
“I looked online and found some resources, I printed some off. I also made some resources myself. Amy bought herself some ‘Biff and Chip’ books to get started with”
How has this experience impacted you?
“Feelings of accomplishment. Real pleasure in seeing Amy progress. I feel really useful as a volunteer. I am so proud of Amy for all that she has achieved”
What difference do you see in AB?
“She is definitely more confident. She can read recipes now. She is on phase 4 of the Oxford Reading Tree.”