YMCA “Reads in Space”

There were 80 young readers (grades K through third) who participated in the YMCA’s “YReads in Space” program held at the YMCA’s Marco Island site under the leadership of Esta Alliker, the YReads Lead Coordinator. Alliker, with her staff of 10 and 11 volunteers, supervised the young readers as they moved from station to station, completing the activity at each station, thereby gathering a stamp for their “passport.” Golden Paws Reading Dogs were at the Sun Station and provided motivation for the students to read to them. Planet Jupiter provided comprehension questions for articles read while Neptune had an opportunity for the young readers to write a description of an alien. Another planet had the young readers reading sight words. One other learning exercise included “moon rocks” that showed the reader a word and the student had to give a word that was its opposite. 

A rocket ship arrived for photo opportunities. Decorations were handmade and during the raffle drawing, pizza and juice were served.

Alliker said “the YReads program gives struggling students ways to improve their academic skills, and build self-esteem and social skills, which aligns with the YMCA’s mission to build healthy minds and helps students reach their full potential by learning, growing, and thriving.”  “The event was truly a combined effort of various parts of the Youth Development and School Age Departments, led by Stephanie Pepper and Charlene Rose respectively,” Alliker continued. In addition, Alliker praised the YReads Coordinator at Parkside Elementary, Daniela Zafra, and the YReads Coordinator at Golden Gate Elementary, Berzini Bazile, for making the impressive planets and rocket ship as well as the constellations and other space décor. There were 30 parents in attendance and from the smiles on their faces, they had an enjoyable time.