KOREH L.A.’s Annual Volunteer Enrichment Seminars

By Ashley Oliva


Dr. Gordon speaking about
engaging reluctant readers.
Twice this year, KOREH L.A. hosted Volunteer Enrichment Seminars for reading partners. Over seventy-five volunteers were in attendance at each session to hear the guest speakers. We were fortunate to have two experienced reading specialists, Dr. Lynn Gordon and Dr. Danny Brassell. Dr. Gordon, a professor from California State University, Northridge, provided us with the tools needed to motivate, inspire, and engage reluctant readers. She centered on the importance of phonics by giving us skills to teach our beginning readers how to read and pronounce words by learning the phonetic value of letters, letter groups, and syllables. Dr. Gordon even did a rehearsal where the volunteers were pronouncing the phonetic alphabet and sounding out letter groups. She guided us through her sessions with practical instructions that would help students take steps toward becoming fluent, independent readers and lifelong learners.


Dr. Brassell introducing his
Six Blocks Program.
Dr. Danny Brassell, a very motivational and dynamic educator, held a discussion on creating readers for life by introducing his Six Blocks Program. Talking to our children about their interests will help choose books that are exciting and fun. Thereafter, talking about books will get your partner excited to read. Picture reading can be done without looking at the words because all you need to understand the story of a great picture book is your imagination. Dr. Brassell did emphasize the most important thing you can do to help your child become a better and more passionate reader is to read aloud. This, coupled with reading aloud in sync with your child, will bring significant benefits. Lastly, make literacy fun by creating fun writing exercises.


Longtime KOREH L.A. Volunteers
Sandy and Ileene Morris
Some of our volunteers shared their experiences: Ida Newman, a KOREH L.A. volunteer for seven years, reads with two 5th grade boys twice a week at Monlux Elementary. She uses the dictionary during her reading sessions and has her students look up words they do not understand. Elaine Gross, a six-year volunteer who reads with a 1st grade boy at Rosewood Elementary, gets support from the teacher and, together, they work to refine her student's reading skills. Sandra Borenstein, an eight-year volunteer, reads with two children in the 3rd and 5th grades at Sylvan Park Elementary and plays Scrabble as a creative literacy game.


Volunteer Roundtable Discussion
The purpose of these literacy sessions is to offer volunteers ways to enhance their sessions with creative and useful approaches to literacy. Reading is a wonderful gift to share with somebody and we are genuinely thankful to all who contribute to children’s literacy.