Christ Church members buddy up to young bookworms

Christ Church of Longboat Key, Presbyterian has been making headlines for its sanctuary-building project for the past two years. But across the county, in Bradenton, church members have taken on another building project: They’ve been building hope by reading with kindergarten and first-grade students on Mondays at the Neighborhood Learning Center in conjunction with the United Community Centers, in Bradenton.

The Christ Church reading buddies made their final visit of the season to the Neighborhood Learning Center Monday, April 19. Members got high marks from their young reading partners. Among the comments: “My reading buddy tells me I am a good reader. She gives me confidence.”

“I know my reading buddy is really listening to me because if I skip a word, he makes me go back.”

“My reading buddy helps me sound out big words.”

“My reading buddy told me I am becoming ‘fluent.’ She says that means smooth.”

“As soon as my reading buddy sees me, she smiles.”

“My reading buddy tells me I make him proud.”

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].