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Leading to Reading

Reading Practice for Kids in Grades 1 to 6

What is Leading to Reading?

Leading to Reading is a free service for children who are reading and writing below their grade level. Children are encouraged to learn and practice their skills in a fun environment. It is open to children in Grades 1 to 6 who can communicate in English.

What happens at Leading to Reading?

Children meet volunteers at the library once a week for a maximum of an hour where they receive one-to-one help and encouragement with their reading and writing skills. They play literacy-based games and activities. The sessions are fun, engaging and interactive and are an important part of your child’s learning. The service builds children’s confidence and motivation.

When is Leading to Reading?

Schedules vary from library to library but sessions are up to an hour per week and continuous throughout the year, with various holiday breaks.

How does a child join?

Parents or guardians need to complete the application form and submit it to the library. Applications can be picked up at any participating branch listed below, or downloaded and submitted by email. A teacher assessment from your child’s teacher is required and is part of the application. Take the Teacher Assessment page and have your child’s teacher fill it in and return it to you, or have the teacher email the form to you.

Please note that enrollment is limited but not entirely based on first-come, first-served. Most parents apply in the fall but you may apply any time. There may be a waiting list.

Building confidence in Toronto’s children

Leading to Reading operates at the following branches:

Who volunteers?

Leading To Reading volunteers are Torontonians of all ages and from all walks of life who are fluent in English and like children. Toronto Public Library provides training for volunteers.

Volunteer recruitment is ongoing. Learn more.

Your commitment to Leading to Reading

Parents of students in the service must sign an agreement of enrollment and attendance. If your child doesn't meet the conditions, the service staff will have to excuse your child from Leading to Reading. Children may participate for a maximum of two school years, but participation may be shorter at the service co-ordinator's discretion.

How can parents help?

  • Please make sure your child arrives on time and is picked up on time. If you must cancel a session, always phone the volunteer and service staff in advance. We appreciate it.
  • Speak to your volunteer regularly. Discuss your child's difficulties and progress. Ask the volunteer how Leading to Reading is going.
  • Feel free to ask questions, ask for help or give advice about your child.
  • Spend time helping your child with their homework.
  • Encourage your child to read for fun and borrow library books that interest them.
  • Read to your child for at least 10 minutes every day and ask your child to do the same for you. When reading is enjoyable, kids go back for more.

Additional resources

Brainfuse
Free online homework help for students in grades K-12.

We are grateful to the many donors who are supporting this vital children's literacy program at TPL. Special thanks to the following for their generosity:

In Memory of Penny Fine z”l
Friends of Toronto Public Library, North Chapter
The Joan and Clifford Hatch Foundation
Estate of Claudia Krawchuk

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