By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CRANBOURNE West Primary School has a cafe of a different sort, instead of serving up cappuccinos its cafe is one full of books.
An acronym for comprehension, accuracy, fluency and expand vocabulary, the Cafe Literacy Program was implemented in February and has already shown positive results.
“It was clear within weeks of starting how well suited it is to our students,” the school’s Debbie Dodd said.
Ms Dodd said the students have quickly developed a love of reading despite more than 50 per cent of them being below the average level of expected literacy.
“One afternoon a group of students were waiting in the office after school for their parents and staff observed them all sitting quietly and reading – last year they would have been running around or playing with toys,” Ms Dodd said.
Each student has books in a box which they read each morning.
Ms Dodd said some who are in need of extra help are paired up with a volunteer literacy advocate.
The school has 14 trained and matched advocates but is always on the lookout for more.
“They spend 15 minutes with each of their matched children to help them practise this skill,” Ms Dodd said.
Literacy advocate Robyn Freeman said the enthusiasm for reading has spread like a virus throughout the school.
“I have noticed a vast improvement in their written expression as well as having more confidence understanding problem solving questions on their maths papers,” Ms Freeman said.
Literacy advocate Andrew Robertson volunteers three days a week and said he has noticed that reading has gone from being ‘not cool’ to something the children look forward to and enjoy.
“It’s encouraged them to read at home as well and I have seen gradual improvements in their reading levels,” Mr Robertson said.
Grade six student Bryce said he likes everything about the program.
“I didn’t like reading before we had the cafe, I never used to try anything new,” Bryce said.
“I like buddying up with Andrew and a friend better than reading on my own.
“I reckon I can get more things done because it helps me out, if I buddy up with someone who’s a better reader than me,” he said.
Ms Dodd said literacy advocates and classroom volunteers come from all walks of life and provide positive adult role models for the students.
“One of the factors that makes the program successful is the relationship developed between the advocates and their students,” she said.
To become literacy advocate at the school contact Debbie Dodd on 5996 2878 or 0409 419 306.
