February 28, 2011
Barbara and Alan Drinkwater are two of Gordon Barbour Elementary School's most dedicated book buddies. Every week they help kindergarten and first grade students improve their reading skills.
“I do it because it makes a difference, and everyday I know that there's something good going to happen,” said Barbara.
“I guess the best thing about it is the children learning to read and the great feeling you get from knowing you helped them,” said Alan.
The Drinkwaters often start with the basics and then watch as their students progress.
“You take an individual that just starts out learning the alphabet and then going on and being able to put those letters together to make words and understand the words. It gives me a great feeling. It makes me feel wonderful when it happens,” said Alan.
Reading books, sorting words and playing educational games, the Drinkwaters say past success stories keep them dedicated to the program.
“One (student) even stopped me at the local grocery store. She's 14 and she came up to me and thanked me for teaching me how to read and that moved me,” said Barbara.
Together they've already helped several students, but they say they're always willing and readying to turn the page for many more.
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