PALS – Reading Program

PALS - A Reading Program For Children

PALS stands for Pairs And Learn Session which is a reading program to help children begin a lifelong love of reading and learning. The Christ Child Society of Pasadena PALS volunteers (adults helping children to read) engage with children in Pre-K through third grade at one of the parish schools and religious education programs we support to help the children with their reading. Our volunteers read aloud giving that added measure of loving attention either to small groups of students or to individual children. All ages of children, young or old, love to listen during the reading aloud sessions and gradually they become keen readers themselves.
Members of Christ Child Society of Pasadena volunteer to help kids learn to read at local Parish schools
Members of Christ Child Society of Pasadena volunteer to help kids learn to read at local Parish schools
Members of Christ Child Society of Pasadena volunteer to help kids learn to read at local Parish schools

Key benefits of helping kids learn to read:

  • Cognitive Development
    Reading actively engages the brain, enhancing focus, concentration, and critical thinking skills.
  • Social and Emotional Development
    Reading can foster empathy and understanding by exposing children to diverse characters and situations
  • Lifelong Learning
    Once children can read fluently, they can independently access information and pursue their interests through books
  • Academic Success
    Strong reading skills are crucial for success in all subjects across the curriculum, as most learning relies on reading comprehension
  • Language Acquisition
    Exposure to diverse vocabulary and sentence structures through reading builds a richer understanding of language
  • Imagination and Creativity
    Stories in books stimulate creativity and allow children to explore different perspectives

Our Christ Child Society of Pasadena volunteers, in the past, have also offered tutoring for grades 1-3. Tutored subjects included reading and basic math.

With the help on reading, the older students discovered that with just a little bit of individual help they can advance their reading skills that then gives them the confidence they need to succeed in life. Self-doubt can be transformed into confidence with just a little bit of time, attention and care.

To help students at Catholic schools, individuals who work or volunteer with them typically need to undergo a thorough background check through the diocese, which usually includes a criminal history check, fingerprinting through a “Live Scan” process, and completion of a “Safe Environment” training program, all aimed at protecting children and ensuring the safety of students on campus.

If you are interested in reading to children or helping with tutoring kids, please email info@christchildpasadena.org for more information.

Together, we can uplift lives. One child at a time.

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