About LSFL
Laurier Students for Literacy (LSFL) was established in 1993 with two main goals: to instill a love of reading in children and to encourage literacy through one-on-one tutoring. Last year it was changed to Laurier Students for Learning. While keeping its focus on literacy, LSFL can now include learning in general as our goal.
Currently LSFL runs several programs, and many external events to achieve this goal.
Saturday Morning Reading Circles
Every Saturday from 10:30-12:00 throughout the regular university school year, LSFL puts on a themed reading circle at the Laurier campus targeted toward early readers (ages 2-12). This program can be found in the concourse of the FNCC building on the WLU campus. Organizing resources by difficulty by level, a volunteer works with an individual child or pair of children in a Reading Challenge to encourage quality and quantity of literature read. Using our own Stoplight leveling system, children can move their way through green, yellow and finally red stories. Active participation is encouraged during each session, offering the child a chance to both listen and read with their partner. Reading Circles also involve literacy based games and activities, as well as a group story and themed craft. Specific activities will vary from week-to-week based on the theme of the circle.
Outreach
The Outreach program is available to all school-aged and pre-school aged children requiring additional practice and socialization help. It is a great program for high school students needing help. This program is completely one-on-one instruction with a tutor. The tutor, child and parents set up a time that works with everyone’s schedule, and the tutor will develop a program tailored to the child’s particular needs. The tutors are matched with students based on knowledge of the area being reviewed. For the safety and security of both the students and the children, a neutral location for the tutorial session on the WLU campus is chosen. Everything from Listening and Focusing, to Social Studies, Mathematics and Advanced Physics have be taught through this very diverse program.
This program offers children the opportunity to explore the French language and culture. It runs every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00pm in the Bricker Academic Building (BA112 & BA110). Children work with a volunteer one on one and read French books. There are also activity sheets and group activities that the children can participate in. All levels of French are welcome to attend, from beginner to advanced. We will also be able to give assistance to students requiring some help with their immersion homework.
Courtland Shelley
Courtland Shelley Community Centre is part of a low-income housing development in Kitchener. Each Wednesday from 4:00-5:00pm the children in the area are able to participate in a Reading Buddies program that parallels the Saturday morning circle. A fun, educational craft and one-on-one reading support are features of each week. The Reading Challenge and leveling system are also a part of this program.
Preschool Program
LSFL is also proud to work with an ESL school readiness program at Chandler Mowat Community Centre on Thursday mornings. Our volunteers develop activities which provide early literacy training and incorporate interactive and fun activities.
Hawkzone
This year LSFL has partnered with some community organizations such as Project Read to offer a complete family program at two local schools. We are involved at Howard Robertson and King Edward Elementary Schools. At these programs, LSFL volunteers work with the school aged children. We provide homework assistance, learning activities and a lot of fun.
In-School Presentations and External Events
LSFL is also proud to share resources with the community in ways that help parents and students work together for academic success. LSFL is pleased to go into classrooms for special sessions on a featured theme as requested. Each year LSFL runs a ‘Walk for Literacy’ in which we raise money and awareness toward literacy causes in Kitchener-Waterloo while increasing our community presence.
This service continues to grow each year with over 100 volunteers participating annually. LSFL’s programs are constantly expanding, and our exciting events, such as the annual Walk for Literacy, fun fair, book drive and special trips to hospitals, schools, and shelters continue to promote our love for reading!
