Reading for Peace Program
Reading for Peace was initiated by dedicated volunteers who wanted to introduce The Conflict Center’s approach to solving problems and building more peaceful communities to younger children (preK-5). They felt the best way to do this was through stories and small group discussions about how the characters in the stories solved problems. The program was so successful it has become our longest running program and is implemented in schools across the metro-area every year. The enthusiasm of teachers and their students keeps Reading for Peace returning year after year. Children love not only stories but the opportunity to have the undivided attention of an adult that really cares about them.
What is Reading for Peace?
Reading for Peace is a volunteer managed and run program that is offered to elementary schools throughout the Denver metro area. Each Thursday afternoon during the school year, volunteers meet at a designated school to read with small groups of children up to four classes participate on a given day. Volunteers visit the selected classes for half an hour each. They divide the class into small groups equal to the number of volunteers, usually two or three children for each volunteer. Their time with the children is devoted to reading and discussing the books, specially selected to teach and reinforce the socio-emotional skills that are consistent with The Conflict Center’s programs. It’s not only the children who enjoy the groups, the volunteers also find the experience very meaningful.