Nine-year-old Jayceon’s new favorite thing is “learning,” he says. “Improving my reading is important,” he adds.
Before participating in Save the Children’s in- school literacy and afterschool programs, Jayceon’s “reading level was unusually low for third grade and he was struggling with basic sight words,” said Betty, the program coordinator. Today, with the one-on-one instruction, guided independent reading practice, and comprehension-building book talks, the third- grader has made great strides at his school in northeast South Carolina.
“He has shown so much improvement recently, not only in his academic skills, but in his confidence and eagerness to excel,” said Betty. “He has very good manners, is respectful, kind and modest, and sets a good example for his peers.”
Jayceon’s teacher, Celeste, says he participates more in class because the Save the Children tutors have “celebrated his successes and let him know mistakes are learning opportunities.”
Jayceon’s newfound confidence is undeniable when you listen to him read, Betty said, and he has “a big smile on his face when he figures out unknown words on his own.” He even chooses to stay on longer in the afterschool program on the days when his sister has to leave early for an appointment, just so he won’t miss a second of the action.
