STAIR works to improve the reading skills and self-esteem of lower elementary school students.
Our Work
“STAIR has positively impacted my daughter! She enjoys reading independently, and her confidence in her reading ability has certainly increased! I am very grateful for the STAIR program and all of the staff and volunteers who work diligently for our students!”
STAIR Programming
Second grade is a critical turning point in a child's educational development. Through second grade, children learn to read; after second grade, children read to learn. STAIR students are matched with a dedicated volunteer for weekly tutoring sessions. These one-on-one tutoring sessions are tailored to each individual student's ability. STAIR is offered to families at no charge.
Building relationships between the student and tutor is key to what we do. Each child works with the same tutor every week and receives caring, undivided attention during the session. They read together, play word games, complete writing exercises, and practice basic literacy skills like phonics and vocabulary.
Curriculum
STAIR’s curriculum includes the following components:
reading
vocabulary
phonics
comprehension
fluency
literacy games
STAIR provides all students with new books and school supplies necessary for their tutoring sessions. All staff, tutors, and volunteers must complete a comprehensive background check and ongoing training. Together, tutors and students work on reading comprehension, decoding skills, interactive reading, and other activities in conjunction with STAIR's proven curriculum.
A hallmark of the STAIR program is the student's ability to work at their own pace, concentrating on the skills that each student needs to master in order to become a stronger reader. The consistent, one-on-one student-tutor relationship results in a special bond and builds the student’s self-esteem.