Queensland Ready Reading Program – Townsville
Parents and community members are invited to register their interest in making a difference in their local community by volunteering in schools to support children’s reading.
Reading is a powerful tool to help children grow their vocabulary, language skills and imagination. It helps them to develop life-long skills that will support their future growth and learning.
The Department of Education and Volunteering Queensland are working together to help improve literacy for children in Queensland by training up to 3000 volunteers to share their knowledge and time to foster a love of reading.
Standard checks
In order to be a take part in the Ready Reading program, volunteers will be required to participate in an interview and undergo standard checks including:
- ID verification
- Reference checks
- Working with Children Check (blue card) and Exemption Cards
Training
Ready Reading volunteers will undergo training to learn about the components of reading, how to support a child with reading and strategies to develop independent reading skills. Experienced staff from the Department of Education’s Reading Centre will deliver the training to ensure volunteers are supported to help students become confident readers. Volunteers are also required to undertake online training delivered by Volunteering Queensland.
The next training session with the Department of Education is scheduled for:
Volunteering in schools
Following completion of checks and training, volunteers will be connected to schools in their area that are participating in the program. Schools will then assume responsibility for engaging these volunteers in their reading programs.
Once placed in a school, volunteers will work under the direction of the principal and may work with individual teachers or across classes.
Registering your interest
For further information and to register your interest in becoming a Ready Reading volunteer, visit: www.volunteeringqld.org.au/ready-reading
Tuesday 27th August, 9:00am-1:00pm at Heatley
Wednesday 28th August, 9:30am-1:30pm at Bluewater
Thursday 29th August, 9:00am-1:00pm at Gulliver
Volunteers are only required to attend one half day session.