"[...T]his service-learning approach has changed the way I see a person reading to their child. Before attending Book Buddies, I thought to myself that we were just going to read to a child, then the child will read, and then make a book. But after the students had left I realized it was more than just reading; it was also possibly life changing." --Martha Mendoza, SSU Psychology 302 service-learner.
For the first time, Sonoma State University and the United Way of the Wine Country collaborated with Luther Burbank Elementary School for the Book Buddies service-learning project. SSU students from PSY 302, an upper-division general education course focusing on human development, met with second-graders.
SSU student Brandon Lee explained, "this activity was very beneficial and [relevant] because it dealt with exactly what we are learning about...It was also a great service-learning project because it essentially gave back to the community and helped them get a better idea of how to analyze words and create a story line."
After a brief introduction, pairs of SSU and Burbank students selected and read books from a collection provided by the University Library.
"I worked primarily with a child named Edwin, who definitely had a personality of his own and did not like to be told what to do. When all of the other children were reading books with short blurbs on each page, he insisted on searching through every book on all three tables for a chapter book," recalls SSU student Audra Armstrong. She also believes that "...both parties benefited from participating in service-learning because we learned by observation and the children were able to hang out with older students who are in college and encouraging them to read. I think they really looked up to us and hopefully this motivates them to have a positive image of college moving forward."
SSU student, Rosaelena Robledo agreed. "I think this is something that will stick with them; when they get older they can say 'oh yeah, one time we went to Sonoma State and college students helped us read and make books.' It's good to know you're making a positive impact on a child's life."
Afterwards, the children worked with SSU students to come up with their own story, with topics ranging from sports to bunnies to ninjas. "By reading and listening, Rosa was able to also develop ideas for her own book. She knew that she enjoyed reading animal books, so she decided to write a story about a cheetah named Spots. At first I noticed Rosa had a challenging time with certain words and their meanings...These words were then used in her book and she was able to pronounce them clearly and understand them as well," SSU student Leticia Avalos explained.
They then formed small groups and shared their stories with each other. "Even though no one could hear him as began to softly read his book aloud, his smile and excitement to share something he had created was so refreshing, and I was so proud of this kid that I had only met an hour before," said Bonnie Humphrey-Calou.
The event was capped off by a story telling presentation by Laurie Cameron, a librarian from the Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library, who regaled the students with an interactive story about a dog trying to find his voice. Just before leaving, the children were presented with a selection of books for them to take home, which were donated by the United Way.
While the kids had a great time, the SSU students were deeply impacted. "I feel that we made a huge impact on these children. We were encouraged to talk to them about school and spark their motivation to continue to try their hardest and set goals for themselves. We very well could have changed the course of their future for the better," said Ashley Williams.
Tarin Easton also learned a lot from the experience. "I feel like Bryan taught me more about who I am than any friend or teacher. It was simply amazing to associate and befriend a person that was only a third of my size. I enjoyed every minute."
SSU and the Center for Community Engagement would like to thank everyone involved in this project: Jessica Hobson's PSY 302 service-learning class, Jackie Swanson, the teachers and chaperons from of Luther Burbank Elementary School, Jennifer O'Donnell and Michelle Fielder from the United Way of the Wine Country, Laurie Cameron from the Rohnert Park Cotati Regional Library, and the University Library. It was an incredible time for everyone involved, and we look forward to hosting it again in the future.
Check out more pictures from the event here.