ACTORS READING WITH KIDS (ARK) is a summer program run in conjunction with the Union Public Library, Union Township, NJ.
Students grades 2-6 are paired with actor/tutors for weekly Zoom sessions July - August to work on reading aloud.
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.
Students grades 2-6 are paired with actor/tutors for weekly Zoom sessions July - August to work on reading aloud.
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.
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MATT GONZALEZ'S VERY COOL ILLUSTRATED DIARY
Debbie Pires, Matt's ARK coach reports: We are reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid - The Deep End. It's a diary with illustrations. He had registered for the Union Police Academy for Kids and would miss our session for a week. I asked if he would like to write his own diary, in the manner of the book, during the week he missed, and he agreed. The next session, he read it to me. |
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BRANDON ELIZONDO'S ARK ANIMALS
Brandon's coach Mary Jane Walsh tells us: The connection between our reading and the art work is the word “create,” which was new for him. After working on the word’s sounds, we worked on the meaning. I asked Brandon if he ever likes “to make” anything, and his enthusiastic answer was “drawings!” We discussed his drawings, I asked to see some, and he ran to get three. I asked if he’d like to have them displayed on the TTP site. Yes! |
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THE REVIEWS ARE IN:
FROM THE STUDENTS:
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)
FROM THE STUDENTS:
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)
FROM THE PARENTS:
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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SPECIAL THANKS to the staff of the Union Public Library:
Emily Macleod, Jackie Hincapie, Kristian Brito and Library Director Karen O'Malley for making this program possible -- it could not have happened without their help, guidance, and expertise. |
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MORE REVIEWS:
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On reading with tutor Lynn Marie:
We read a thousand hundred books ... I want to keep reading for the rest of my life. -- Isabella / Check out her video! 
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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.
—Juan Pablo
—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
Julia
Thank you
Julia
I like reading with Ms. Debbie because she is funny. She shows me funny pictures before we start reading so I can get to know her better. I am reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with her. Ms. Debbie makes voices while she reads and I make voices, too! When we read, Ms. Debbie helps me a little with words I don’t know by saying them and telling me what they mean. I feel great about reading Harry Potter because it’s a big kid’s book. I can read it because I am getting better at reading thanks to Ms. Debbie.
—Victoria
—Victoria
The ARK program is great and very very fun. I think Thomas is a excellent teacher and friend. He made me have more confidence for reading. I hope it continues next summer.
Matt
Matt
Matt and Isabella
I am really happy with this program and so is he. He really looks forward for the day of the reading activity since he really connects with Melissa. He enjoys the sessions very much. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of this great program.
-- Matthew's Mom
-- Matthew's Mom
TUTORS: Gary, Angela, Deb, Lynn Marie.
