Reading Together USA: The Benefits of Cross-age Tutoring for the Tutor

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes and perceptions of students who participated as tutors in the Reading Together USA program. The subjects were selected as struggling reader in fifth grade to participate in the Reading Together USA program. They were trained as tutors and learned the specific program in order to teach second graders. The tutoring occurs in three stages, which are spaced out over the year. Each stage becomes a little more involved and forces more independence from the tutee. The tutors benefited in many ways through their participation in Reading Together USA. They became more responsible students who learned the importance of being a dependable role model. They were able to point out many of the areas of reading where they had progressed including fluency, comprehension and others. Most importantly, their self esteem increased. They were more confident as learners and readers.