Brooke Sieff is the program director at REACH Literacy, and she also oversee's the nonprofit's "Bee a Reader" virtual mentorship program. The program started five years ago in a single classroom and now reaches all second graders at both Annie Sullivan and Hawthorne Elementary Schools. She sat down with Sioux Falls Simplified to chat about children's books, mentorship and the importance of getting kids comfortable with reading – especially in second grade.
Answers are edited for length and clarity. Responses are direct quotes from Sieff.
How did you get smart about reading?
I've always loved reading. As a child, I would read anything I could get my hands on – especially nonfiction. Reading was always, for me, a very personal endeavor to find more knowledge.
I became a high school science teacher (in Nebraska), and I loved helping reach out with the kids that I was teaching.
- I noticed how reading was so challenging for kids in the area of science.
Through the Omaha public schools, I got a masters degree as a reading specialist (after seeing) what a need there was for specialized reading education.
We moved to Sioux Falls about five years ago, and a little over three years ago, I started working at REACH Litearacy.
- I was finally able to put some of those reading strategies for younger learners into play, making reading accessible.
We're all about simplicity here. Can you describe the Bee a Reader program in 10 words or fewer?
Share love of books and reading with kids through mentors
Ok, now let's get deeper into it. How does Bee a Reader work, and what's the structure of the program?
Bee a Reader is entirely virtual, which is super unique for reading programs.
Adult volunteers sign up to be a part of the program. Then, they jump on Zoom with us during the kids' school day. The kids jump on Zoom in their classroom, and we all meet virtually, divide into breakout rooms, and each volunteer reads with one or two students.
- They all have the same book of the week, so everybody's meeting to read books together, share, laugh and have a fun time.
- We always end with a one-minute dance party.
We are really just there to support them while they show off their reading skills. They are so excited to showcase their skills to us.
Why is it important to have this type of mentorship program for kids?
Second grade is kind of that turning point where kids go from learning to read to, then, in third grade, reading to learn. So, if you don't have those reading skills mastered, you're behind when you get to third grade.
- We want to help those kids that are still picking up those pieces and putting them together. We want to give them a chance to have those skills before they fall behind in the years to come.
Also, especially in the elementary ages, a kid's social circle is really small. Bee a Reader gives those kids a chance to have positive interactions with a safe person in a safe place and get a chance to have other people to interact with outside of their immediate circle.
What's your favorite children's book and why?
Bunnicula by James Howe.
It's about a zombie bunny rabbit and is probably one of the first chapter books I ever read. I'm not a scary story person – this was about as scary as I was ever willing to get.
I have a few books in the series, but I'm still looking for an OG copy of Bunnicula.
How would I know if I'm a good fit to 'bee' a volunteer mentor?
(This program is for) anyone who has time during the school day, can use Zoom 0r is willing to learn to use Zoom. You just have to be willing to help a kiddo read a book, be positive, encouraging and a good listener.
- We manage all of the meetings. You just have to click a link and join.
We've had volunteers from over eight different states, people have read from their non-moving car, from the airport, from their office during lunch.
It's a 45-minute commitment (once per week), and we have meetings Tuesday through Friday with morning and afternoon times available.
Learn more about the Bee a Reader program here, and fill out the sign-up form to volunteer here.
