Back to Basics

Back to Basics

For Parents | Reading Resources | Adult Literacy

This program targets elementary school-aged children in 2nd-5th grade who are reading below grade level and want to improve their reading and writing skills.

Back to Basics

How to Apply:
Students are eligible for the program based on residency, teacher recommendation and assessment results. Applications are available at the children's desk at both libraries, or, download an application here.

For information about the Back to Basics program, please call or email Project Coordinator, Allen Callaci - (909) 477-2720, ext 5072.

Back to Basics Volunteer to be a Tutor:
Do you enjoy being with kids? If you are over the age of 16 and have 3 hours to donate each week, please consider volunteering. Training is provided. Just fill out a volunteer application and submit it to the circulation desk at the library. Call (909) 477-2720 ext. 5072 for details and upcoming training dates if you would like to get involved.

History:
The Back to Basics program began in 1998 after the Rancho Cucamonga Public Library's Telethon raised $52,000 to provide a learning center for school-aged students. In October the State Library awarded a $50,000 matching grant to begin the tutoring program.

Statistics:
Working in small groups, participants are matched with volunteer tutors trained to provide activities and lessons, supplementing classroom instruction. Sessions are offered after school, Monday through Thursday at both Rancho Cucamonga Library locations.

  • 64% of participants improved their comprehension score by 1 or 2 grade levels.
  • 72% of participants improved in phonetic awareness.
  • 100% of participants improved their sight word recognition.

Applications are accepted for the Fall & Spring semester and parents are encouraged to apply early. Space is limited and preference is given to low and moderate income Rancho Cucamonga residents.

For Parents:

Reading Resources:

  • Reading Planet - Check out Reading is Fundamental for ideas that will help encourage your child to read.
  • California Department of Education - The California Department of Education has a recommended book list for students. This is an outstanding list of literature for children and adolescents. The recommendations on this list are from teachers, curriculum adminsitrators and school librarians.
  • Jim Trelease on Reading - Jim Trelease is a strong supporter of family reading times. This website will give you suggestions on books your whole family will enjoy reading together. In addition, he has selection websites that can help with reading.
  • ABC Reading Rockets - This website has some great links to book reviews and activities for relunctant readers.