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Volunteers from the Bogalusa Library continue their Literacy Project at Central Elementary. Twice a week they work at the school with third grade students reinforcing their reading skills. The Project will award each student a medal if they master the 520 sight words on the Dolch and Fry lists. These are the most common words they will meet as they become good readers.

The word list is divided into five parts increasing in difficulty. Students work their way through each level. The children, as well as their helpers, are excited to see advancement from one level to the next. So far 15 students have mastered the entire list!

In addition, volunteers are available at the Library from 9:00 to 11:00 every Friday morning for additional help. Students are given a list to take home to review with a note attached saying extra help is available.

We would love to expand our Literacy Project to include first and second graders too. This would require more volunteers. To become a volunteer, you must apply at the School Board office. Then, go to the Sheriff’s office in Franklinton to be fingerprinted. The Sheriff’s office will notify the School Board office that you are clear to enter the schools. You will be notified of your approval and can begin helping students.

The Literacy Project started when attention was brought to the connection between the incarceration rate and illiteracy. Reading is essential to be successful in life. This is a way we can make a difference in our community! We can help our children develop the skills they need to be able to reach their goals.