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SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in their careers, two Utah kindergarten teachers had nearly every student learn their letters and sounds by Christmas.
Kindergartners at Overlake Elementary in Tooele have reason to be excited.
"They get so excited — and you see the light bulb go on, and they say, "I can read!" said kindergarten teacher Cindy Middleton. "They love it, they absolutely love it," added fellow teacher Staci Barker.
In some schools, it can take all year to learn the alphabet. Never have Middleton and Barker reached Christmas break with every one of their students knowing letters and sounds.
"I didn't think anything of it until after when they showed me the results. And it was really huge results," said principal Jon Marble.
Letters may sound like a small step, but in the life of a student, it is B-I-G.
"It means we can take off now, and we can get them ready for first grade," said Middleton.
How did they reach this milestone? Their school implemented KSL's Read Today tutoring program with AmeriCorps and many of the tutors are third and fourth graders — fellow students.
"They are a great, positive role model for the kids," said Barker.
Nearly every day, older students read, practice flashcards and become mentors to their younger peers. Teachers say the older kids benefit, too.
"I feel great. I like helping other people a lot," said fourth grade mentor Elishka Johnson. About the only ones more hopeful are their moms.
"It brought me and my sister to tears. We are so proud of her," said kindergartner mom Laci Stewart.
Read today operates in more than 120 Utah schools. If you would like to tutor children and help them read, go to readtoday.com.
