What We Do

ReadUP started with a simple idea—when kids are matched with books that are just right for their skill level, they are successful at reading. That success motivates them to read more. And the more they read, the more their skills develop.

At ReadUP, a qualified teacher establishes each child’s individual skill level in reading. We lend books that match that child’s ability and the child reads the books with a volunteer, then takes them home to practise reading over the course of the week. The books we lend have engaging stories and art and are specially designed for emerging readers. Once a child has mastered a reading level, the teacher leader does a quick check to see if it’s time to move to the next level, to “read up”. This motivates the kids when they become aware of their own progress.

We also lend popular chapter book titles for proficient readers, and commercially available picture books for parents to read to their babies and toddlers. So, ReadUP is not just for struggling readers—it’s for everyone.

The program began in 2005 and was the brainchild of Sheilah Currie, a children’s author and literacy teacher. She wanted to get right into communities to give children a boost with their reading skills and to share tips with parents on how best to support their children’s reading at home.

ReadUP has grown to 5 clubs in Toronto. Now children from her first reading club have come back as volunteers, helping a new generation learn to read.

ReadUP is completely volunteer-driven and wouldn’t be the success it is today without our team of dedicated volunteers who help children discover that reading is an enjoyable pastime, not a chore. The volunteers chat about the story and help with tricky words, but there is no direct teaching involved—all phonics and spelling instruction is left to the schools. ReadUP is meant to complement the literacy learned in the classroom and to help kids discover the joy of reading.

As usual with volunteering, you reap what you sow. ReadUP has gone beyond literacy, creating bonds between the kids, volunteers, staff and parents. It strengthens community.

Literacy is a basic life skill that affects a child’s academic success and has a major influence on his/her socioeconomic future. ReadUP seeks to close the achievement gap that exists between at-risk children and children who are not at risk.

What We Do

ReadUP started with a simple idea—when kids are matched with books that are just right for their skill level, they are successful at reading. That success motivates them to read more. And the more they read, the more their skills develop.

At ReadUP, a qualified teacher establishes each child’s individual skill level in reading. We lend books that match that child’s ability and the child reads the books with a volunteer, then takes them home to practise reading over the course of the week. The books we lend have engaging stories and art and are specially designed for emerging readers. Once a child has mastered a reading level, the teacher leader does a quick check to see if it’s time to move to the next level, or to “read up”. This motivates the kids when they become aware of their own progress.

We also lend popular chapter book titles for proficient readers, and commercially available picture books for parents to read to their babies and toddlers. So, ReadUP is not just for struggling readers—it’s for everyone.

The program began in 2005 and was the brainchild of Sheilah Currie, a children’s author and literacy teacher. She wanted to get right into communities to give children a boost with their reading skills and to share tips with parents on how best to support their children’s reading at home.

ReadUP has grown to 5 clubs in Toronto. Now children from her first reading club have come back as volunteers, helping a new generation learn to read.

ReadUP is completely volunteer-driven and wouldn’t be the success it is today without the more than 100 volunteers who help children discover that reading is an enjoyable pastime, not a chore. The volunteers chat about the story and help with tricky words, but there is no direct teaching involved—all phonics and spelling instruction is left to the schools. ReadUP is meant to complement the literacy learned in the classroom and to help kids discover the joy of reading.

As usual with volunteering, you reap what you sow. ReadUP has gone beyond literacy, creating bonds between the kids, volunteers, staff and parents. It strengthens community.

Literacy is a basic life skill that affects a child’s academic success and has a major influence on his/her socioeconomic future. ReadUP seeks to close the achievement gap that exists between at-risk children and children who are not at risk.