Questions and Answers
Q: What is Bridgerland Literacy?
A: Bridgerland Literacy is a private, non- profit organization that trains volunteer tutors and matches them with students who need help with literacy skills, including reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and basic computer skills. Instruction is one-on-one, confidential and geared to individual needs and abilities.
Q: Is literacy really a serious issue for Cache Valley?
A: Approximately 11% of Cache Valley residents who should be able to read at the third grade level, cannot.
Q: Who is served by Bridgerland Literacy?
A: The program is designed to help adults who cannot perform everyday literacy functions and children who are experiencing reading difficulties in school.
Q: Does the program teach immigrants to our country or residents who grew up with little exposure to English to read?
A: Students must be conversational in English to enter our program. We refer students who need beginning assistance with English to The English Language Center. Bridgerland Literacy teaches reading skills to ESL students after they are conversational in Englsih.
Q: Is there a cost for services?
A: Tutoring is provided by volunteers at no cost to students. Reading and study materials are also free.
Q: What instructional methods are used?
A: A "contextual literacy" approach is utilized, meaning that literacy skills are taught within the context of a learner's everyday life and needs. Students who need to become certified for work are taught to read and write using work related materials. Mothers or fathers who want to learn to read to their children practice reading using their child's books. Children practice reading using their textbooks. Goal setting is a very important part of the process. Learners are encouraged to define their educational goals. Success in these areas will typically motivate them to continue learning.
Q: What other services are available to students of Bridgerland Literacy?
A: Students can publish their original writings in the New Reader's Corner of the BL newsletter. Story Hours and small group programs are offered periodically for children, and computers with Internet access are available for students to use at no cost. Group recognition activities are open to students, tutors, and their families.
Q: How can someone help Bridgerland Literacy?
A: Bridgerland Literacy welcomes volunteer help! If you have a special skill to offer, give us a call! Or, become a tutor! Tutor training sessions are held on an ongoing individual basis. Tutors are asked to commit to meeting with a student twice a week for at least six months.
Q: What services are available to volunteer tutors?
A: Bridgerland Literacy trains each new tutor before they are matched with a student. Tutors receive a semiannual newsletter filled with program news, tutoring tips and special features. In-service classes are offered as needed. These give tutors an opportunity to brush up on skills or learn more about special topics, such as learning disabilities or learning styles. Program staff members are on hand to give guidance and contact each tutor on a regular basis to see how things are going, provide encouragement, or assist with special challenges. An extensive resource library is available at the Bridgerland Literacy office.
Q: Where does tutoring take place?
A: Tutoring sessions take place in the Logan, North Logan, and other community libraries, work sites, offices, and university rooms.
Q: If I don't have the time or resources to formally volunteer for Bridgerland Literacy now, is there a way I can still help?
A: You can provide an important service by simply being aware of people's potential need for reading help. It is very difficult for someone to admit they need reading help, and to have the courage to get help. Encourage those you know who need help to come to Bridgerland Literacy.
Q: How do people begin getting reading help?
A: Contact the Bridgerland Literacy office at 716-9141 Monday through Thursday to arrange an appointment. The first visit will include a brief orientation, an informal evaluation of reading skills, and a beginning goal setting session.
A: Bridgerland Literacy is a private, non- profit organization that trains volunteer tutors and matches them with students who need help with literacy skills, including reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, and basic computer skills. Instruction is one-on-one, confidential and geared to individual needs and abilities.
Q: Is literacy really a serious issue for Cache Valley?
A: Approximately 11% of Cache Valley residents who should be able to read at the third grade level, cannot.
Q: Who is served by Bridgerland Literacy?
A: The program is designed to help adults who cannot perform everyday literacy functions and children who are experiencing reading difficulties in school.
Q: Does the program teach immigrants to our country or residents who grew up with little exposure to English to read?
A: Students must be conversational in English to enter our program. We refer students who need beginning assistance with English to The English Language Center. Bridgerland Literacy teaches reading skills to ESL students after they are conversational in Englsih.
Q: Is there a cost for services?
A: Tutoring is provided by volunteers at no cost to students. Reading and study materials are also free.
Q: What instructional methods are used?
A: A "contextual literacy" approach is utilized, meaning that literacy skills are taught within the context of a learner's everyday life and needs. Students who need to become certified for work are taught to read and write using work related materials. Mothers or fathers who want to learn to read to their children practice reading using their child's books. Children practice reading using their textbooks. Goal setting is a very important part of the process. Learners are encouraged to define their educational goals. Success in these areas will typically motivate them to continue learning.
Q: What other services are available to students of Bridgerland Literacy?
A: Students can publish their original writings in the New Reader's Corner of the BL newsletter. Story Hours and small group programs are offered periodically for children, and computers with Internet access are available for students to use at no cost. Group recognition activities are open to students, tutors, and their families.
Q: How can someone help Bridgerland Literacy?
A: Bridgerland Literacy welcomes volunteer help! If you have a special skill to offer, give us a call! Or, become a tutor! Tutor training sessions are held on an ongoing individual basis. Tutors are asked to commit to meeting with a student twice a week for at least six months.
Q: What services are available to volunteer tutors?
A: Bridgerland Literacy trains each new tutor before they are matched with a student. Tutors receive a semiannual newsletter filled with program news, tutoring tips and special features. In-service classes are offered as needed. These give tutors an opportunity to brush up on skills or learn more about special topics, such as learning disabilities or learning styles. Program staff members are on hand to give guidance and contact each tutor on a regular basis to see how things are going, provide encouragement, or assist with special challenges. An extensive resource library is available at the Bridgerland Literacy office.
Q: Where does tutoring take place?
A: Tutoring sessions take place in the Logan, North Logan, and other community libraries, work sites, offices, and university rooms.
Q: If I don't have the time or resources to formally volunteer for Bridgerland Literacy now, is there a way I can still help?
A: You can provide an important service by simply being aware of people's potential need for reading help. It is very difficult for someone to admit they need reading help, and to have the courage to get help. Encourage those you know who need help to come to Bridgerland Literacy.
Q: How do people begin getting reading help?
A: Contact the Bridgerland Literacy office at 716-9141 Monday through Thursday to arrange an appointment. The first visit will include a brief orientation, an informal evaluation of reading skills, and a beginning goal setting session.