As a retired 40 year educator, there was a book buddy program in one of the schools I worked in that was very well liked by all.  The kids ate their lunch and gave up part or all of their recess time to read with their community volunteer, a book buddy.  Of course bonding occurred along with reading stimulation.  And seniors of the community became connected to the school community. And the school loved connecting with people who may not have children in the schools and making good community contacts.  It was well liked because it was a WIN, WIN, WIN.

Seeking - someone with a heart for kids, an interest in seeing academic performance goals encouraged in the children, or someone that cares about shaping your community's future.  It's not hard.  It's an hour a week at lunchtime.  

1) Contact the elementary school principal and tell them you'd be interested in starting a Book Buddy program. 
     a) Tell them how it is a Win, Win, Win program.
     b) Tell them how the Book Buddy would read a book that they had mutually agreed upon that will take them on a reading adventure together.  
     c) When finished with their meal and a bit of conversation, the student and the Book Buddy would take turns or have the student read to the Book Buddy a book at their reading level and engage with the pictures.  
2) Ask the principal if they would get permission with their staff to get parent permission for students to participate.  (Download the form below)

bb_parent_permission.docx
File Size:	825 kb
File Type:	docx

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bb_volunteer_recruits.docx
File Size:	825 kb
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3) Ask if you could put up and promote signups in community groups - senior centers, churches, civic groups, townhall and the library.  (Download the form above)
4) Learn about how the background check procedures are handled in your district.  It will vary.  They likely will want fingerprinting background checks.  This can have a fee.
5) Discuss a date at least 4-8 weeks down the road after the signups when the reading will begin.  This allows you and the school to do recruiting and preparing. 

Ask the school librarian to suggest some books for Book Buddy reading adventures together.  Books should not have agendas.  Discuss with the librarians how to be sure these books can be set aside so they can be sure to be available on a weekly basis until they are next needed. 

6) Keep tabs on the volunteer sign up sheets every week or 10 days.  Let people know you appreciate them signing up. Fill them in on the background check procedures.  Give them a sense of when you will start up.  The school principal/or librarian will want to set this up and see that there are good introductions and things get off to a good start. 

7) Follow up with volunteers and the school to be sure all the fingerprinting and background protocols are met.  

8) Have fun meeting weekly with the children.