Page 5 - YMCA of the Suncoast 2023 Annual Report

INSPIRING IMPACT
Kevin Southcott wishes there were more days each week for his son Ayden to attend the Y READS program.
“Ayden loves to read now,” he says when describing how much Ayden enjoys improving his literacy skills in the program.
The mission of YMCA Reads (YReads) is to enable at-risk children in Kindergarten through the third grade to increase their reading skills through structured after-school reading instruction. This early intervention program improves students’ reading skills through mentoring and the use of a research-based, data-driven curriculum. It also helps students achieve or maintain satisfactory school attendance and behavior, both essential ingredients to school success.
YReads successfully closes the achievement gap in students’ reading performance with structured curricula delivered by well-trained mentors.
It provides differentiated reading instruction
to students through small-group tutoring/ mentoring. Mentoring enhances academic achievement through relationship building and increases academic self-esteem from learning to read.
first to raise his hand and is very enthusiastic about reading out loud and answering questions. He enjoys coming to YReads every week and frequently stops in to say hello on his off days. I’m extremely proud of his growth!”
Kevin echoes similar sentiments.
“Ayden reads with his mother before bedtime daily. He does a great job in school now; he’s a better listener and has found a true love for reading!”
To ensure that they have plenty of new books to read for Ayden, the family regularly checks out books from the school and has a monthly delivery of books to their home so that there is always a new book to experience.
Way to go, Ayden! Keep up the great work.
4
Ayden Southcott
YReads! Participant
Ayden is in the third grade and began attending the program a few years ago because he struggled with reading and understanding words.
“Over the past few years, Ayden has become
a very confident and fluent reader. Initially, he had issues in phonics, phonological awareness and with high-frequency words. During his time in YReads, his decoding skills have improved dramatically!” shares Helen Siler, YReads Coordinator Enrichment Specialist Instructor.
“His growth in foundational skills has helped his reading comprehension. He is no longer the boy that shied away from reading. Ayden is the