A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to an 8-year-old girl. She had green eyes, freckles, and chipped fingernails decorated with Halloween designs by her mother. Surprisingly, she knew the book very well and had read it several times before. She was so attuned that she could predict the rhyme scheme and recite the story word for word for pages at a time. When we came to a part she wasn't as familiar with, I took the opportunity to teach her about the "sh" sound and silent "e's". She quickly applied these new skills and continued with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful feeling to know that I had left her with new knowledge that would aid her in her reading journey and overall education.

Unwavering Reading Truths

The silent "e's" at the end of words and the "shhhh" sound of the letters "sh" are undeniable facts. These reading skills will remain true and reliable as children grow and find their place in the world. They will guide them to pursue more knowledge, discover personal interests, and form their own educated opinions. When I left the Boys and Girls Club that day, I had a sense that I might have opened their eyes to new ideas and books.

Volunteering as Reading Buddies

Twice a week, volunteers spend about 30 minutes as reading buddies with children at the Boys and Girls Club. Some volunteers read with different children each time, while others have regular kids they connect with. Through this, volunteers can engage with children's interests and foster a love for reading. "Read to Succeed", an IU club, provides an organized opportunity for college students to make a positive impact. Many students, like me, have experienced the joy and satisfaction of being part of children's reading journeys.

Observing Reading Challenges

While rewarding, this experience has made me notice the lack of comprehension and reading skills in elementary-age children. Besides phonics and fluency issues, they often lack enthusiasm. Research shows that easy access to short-form entertainment has shortened children's attention spans, which may explain their lack of interest. Nowadays, children seem more accustomed to instant gratification from technology instead of losing themselves in a book. This lack of enthusiasm is disheartening as someone who loved reading as a child and saw how it enriched my life.

The Power of Reading in Childhood

As a child, I devoured every book I could get my hands on. Reading instilled in me an interest in history, mythology, and the arts. It taught me to think beyond myself and changed my perspective of the world. But now, books seem to be replaced by iPads, and curiosity is lost. Children lack the excitement and exuberance that reading brought to my childhood. As a college freshman not in childhood education, I feel powerless against this disinterest. However, as a reading buddy, I feel a responsibility to try to spark a love of books in the children I read with. If I can leave them a little more excited for the next time, I consider my efforts successful.

Inspiring Reading Excitement

I have found that giving children a reason to be excited about reading is crucial. Whether it's encouraging them to choose an interesting book or praising their progress, associating excitement and positivity with reading is essential. Although the experience can be challenging at times, being a reading buddy has been extremely rewarding. It has improved my skills in interacting and communicating with children and my ability to stay calm in chaotic environments. Even though I am just one person, it is fulfilling to give back to the community in this meaningful way.Abby Whited (she/her) is a freshman studying journalism.