by D. Chinen

Reading Is Fundamental volunteers are returning to grades K through Four on February 29. The RIF volunteers read to the children from various books and then enable the youngsters to browse and choose a book to keep! Friends of Waimanalo generously provided funds to purchase the books which are given three times a year.

In October, many Waimanalo parents showed their enthusiasm for the program by coming to the school and reading to their children. Intermediate students in Shari Chan's class also participated by signing up for K to 4 classrooms and reading to groups of youngsters. Lorelei Karasaki, Co-Hort, and Helene Mattos, PCNC, conducted a readers meeting to introduced shared reading techniques before parent and intermediate readers went into the classrooms. Children's reactions were extremely positive and Kindergarten teachers report that new friends were made that day and many hugs and kisses were exchanged.

Waimanalo hopes to recreate the sharing of that first RIF experience on February 29. A third RIF visit is being planned for May.