ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, October 2, 1996 TAG: 9610020012
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
TYPE: IN THE SPOTLIGHT
SOURCE: LISA APPLEGATE
After 21 years in the classroom, Jane Farmer doesn't like to say she teaches kids how read.
"I'm helping them to learn, to want to learn, when they're developmentally ready," she said.
Farmer, a first-grade teacher at Bethel Elementary School, said even after all these years she loves to see those first wide-eyed expressions of understanding from new readers. But some, she said, learn faster than others.
With the help of a $14,000 grant from Central Fidelity Bank, Farmer developed a program to help those elementary school pupils who aren't yet reading at the same level as their peers.
At a time when the county school budget provides little extra to hire reading specialists, Farmer has tapped into free labor. Virginia Tech and Radford University students, Central Fidelity volunteers and local residents serve as "buddies" to the pupils after receiving training from Farmer.
About 15 pupils meet with their buddies for an hour before or after school. Having that focused attention, Farmer said, is the best incentive for any pupil.
"They're much more comfortable," she said. "When you're in a class you may not want to try those harder words, but when it's one-on-one, it's easier."
The grant, which lasts for three years, provides for new reading books, a small stipend for parents who can't afford transportation and four hand-held computers. Farmer said she hopes to teach parents how to improve reading at home, too.
Pupils were chosen for the program based on teacher recommendations and test scores. Farmer said she'll keep track of reading scores and look for improvements.
Reading is a schoolwide focus, Farmer said, and it's one of the most important things she does.
"We're trying to come up with different programs and we're meeting the needs of all kids," she said.
Do you know a school employee in the New River Valley who is making a difference in a child's life? Call Lisa Applegate at (540) 381-1679; write P.O. Box 540, Christiansburg, Va. 24073; or e-mail lsapplegxc2infi.net.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ALAN KIM/Staff. 1. Jane Farmer (right), a first-gradeby CNBteacher at Bethel Elementary in Montgomery County, just received a
grant for a before- and after-school program that will help kids
with remedial reading skills. 2. Chris Hinkley works with Radford
University senior Dawn Grabb on spelling. 3. Danielle Bayer, a
Radford University senior in elementary education, works with 9-year
old Terry Duncan of Christiansburg. color.