ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ARK started as an answer to the following question: during the theater shutdown, how could actors who would normally be preparing to perform on stage use their skills and time to benefit the community? ACTORS READING WITH KIDS was piloted in the belief that acting and teaching have much in common, and that, as skilled, trained readers, actors could coach children in developing confidence and excitement for the vital exercise of expressing the written word.

Special thanks to the staff of the Union Public Library for making this program possible. It could not have happened without their help, guidance, and expertise.

• Emily Macleod, and UPL's Youth Services Team
• Kassundra Miller, Library Director

From Students

• Ms. Simone inspired me!

• Liz was fun, nice and helpful. I really liked the Flat Stanley books. (from JAKE)

• I really liked reading with you. In the past I have not enjoyed reading, you have made it super awesome and fun! I wish to do this program again, especially if I can do it with you. You made this program super fun, I wouldn't wish for anyone else to read with me. (from ANDERSON)

• I like reading with Gary because he is helpful. For example, when I do not know how to pronounce a work he helps me pronounce it. I also like it because when it is the end we play hang man to go over the words I did not know. I really enjoy reading with Gary and book we chose, "Smile", was great. (from GRACE)

• I like reading with Angela because she is very helpful and nice. She helps we with sounding out my "r" words, my pronunciation and reminds me to stop at the periods . We read "The Call of the Wild" and it was a very good book. I can't wait to watch the movie. Thank You for helping me, Angela. (from NICHOLAS)

• We read a thousand hundred books ... I want to keep reading for the rest of my life. (from ISABELLA)

• ​I like reading with Mr. Matt because he always chooses dinosaur books. I love the dinosaur books! My favorite books were about sea giants and velociraptor. I like talking with Mr. Matt while I read. I told him about the geologic times. Mr. Matt helps me read the words that I don’t know how to read yet. I think I can read better because of Mr. Matt. (from JUAN PABLO)

• ​I had a great experience reading with Lynn. She introduced me to some cool books and helped me express myself when I read. Lynn was very nice and helpful. Thank you. (from JULIA)

From Parents

• To Angela and Liz: Vincent, Lucy, and Sophie all had a wonderful experience. The teachers even came up with additional activities to enhance their reading.

• To Samantha: My daughter loved spending reading time with Ms. Samantha Simone. She actually looked forward to it even when we were away on our vacation. Every week, she talked about it with her family full of excitement,  My daughter said someday she would like to do this. She will be volunteering to do reading for Seniors.

• To Emily: Emily was great. She had some great suggestions to help with my son's comprehension. He's shy, but by the end of the program she had pulled him out of his shell.

• To Liz: The Reading with Actors program was such an enriching experience for my son this summer. He enjoys theatre and thought it was great to meet and work with an actual actor. We were happy to be paired with Liz Samuel, who brought so much energy and professionalism to a virtual environment. She was patient and genuine in learning my son's interests to incorporate them into the lessons. We would love to do this again!

• To Angela: ​I didn't think it was possible to have him enjoy reading, and you did -- For that I'm truly thankful. 

• To Paul: Juan Pablo likes reading with you so much, he suggested to his friend that they read together over Zoom like he does with you! Juan Pablo was telling him all about how you read Godzilla and they are now reading Dog Man. Thank you for your positive example and influence!

• Thank You for the opportunity to be part of your reading program and a big thank you to all the volunteers who organized. read, and encouraged our children to become better readers!

• I loved this program. I really appreciate all you do for my daughter.

• The reading program was a huge success with my children. (They) looked forward to meeting with the reading buddies each week and had a great time. Thank you very much.

• My children looked forward to this program each week.

• My daughter (and son) love this program. They looked forward to reading each week and working on their books. I would definitely sign up again next Summer.