The Launch Program is a volunteer tutoring program designed to help kindergarten and first grade children
become
more comfortable with number and letter recognition, beginning sounds, blends & digraphs, CVC
(consonant-vowel-consonant) words, and other pre reading and reading activities. The program supports the
teacher to
ensure each child is 'launched' on an educational path to success.
The Launch volunteer meets twice weekly for 15 minutes with each child. Skills are reinforced in a
comfortable
one-to-one setting using multi-sensory games carried by the volunteer. A communication notebook allows the
teacher
and volunteer to confidentially share insights and record progress.
This program has been successful in other schools as it combines several essential features:
Prevention - It is a program designed to help children who are identified by their classroom teacher
as needing a
boost. The emphasis is on twice-a-week, immediate help, before bad habits become firmly established.
Training - Volunteers are required to take a training class with a building professional. This
training provides
the volunteer with an overview of learning differences, tutoring techniques, and the importance of
helping children
develop a positive self-image.
Materials - The volunteers' supplies are hand-made games and aids which the well-trained volunteer
uses
creatively by adapting them to the individual needs of the child. Teacher preparation time is
alleviated due to the
autonomous nature of the program.
Support - The volunteers meet regularly with the Launch Coordinator in their school. This
opportunity to exchange
new ideas and concerns provides volunteer stimulation and ongoing training.
The school and children benefit greatly as these trained volunteers support the teachers in their commitment
to help
children prepare for a successful future. In turn, the volunteers find they have an opportunity to give
quality
service to the school community and in doing so gain great personal rewards in helping "launch" children on
a
successful path.
DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT
The Launch Program was proposed for development in the spring of 1995 as a way to provide Kindergartners
with a
boost in learning.
It is patterned after a successful program created by a Michigan woman, Florence Sharp, as a master's degree
thesis.
Her program was further developed by the Junior League of Minneapolis and became known as the Bucket
Brigade.
Many
of the game ideas from this manual are from the Bucket Brigade and have been used successfully in over 100
schools.
It was their hope that these ideas would spread and reach many children.
Ruth Odell, a special education teacher, incorporated these ideas with further research on the kindergarten
child,
tutoring techniques, and the mechanics of the program in the development of this Launch Manual. She piloted
the
Launch Program at McAuliffe Elementary in Sammamish, WA in January 1996 and then introduced Launch to
Blackwell
Elementary in Sammamish, WA in 1999.
Launch is constantly evolving, and in 2023 the program expanded to include First Grade.
The Launch Program at Blackwell Elementary is supported by a grant from Blackwell PTSA.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In all worthwhile endeavors, success depends on cooperation and coordination. No one individual can be as
effective
alone as a team working for the same goal. For the Launch Program to work effectively, it is important for
each
person to understand their roles and responsibilities. This list is meant to serve as a guide.
VOLUNTEER:
Attend 3 training sessions conducted by the Launch Program Coordinator.
Become familiar with the Launch Manual, games, and activities.
Plan and conduct two 15-minute tutoring sessions each week.
Confidentially report progress and concerns to the classroom teacher via the Launch log notebook,
private
conversation, or email as appropriate.
Faithfully and responsibly come at your assigned tutoring time.
LAUNCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR:
Recruit tutors.
Liaise with Kindergarten and First Grade teachers to identify students who would benefit from Launch
services.
Conduct tutor training sessions.
Assign students to tutors and develop a tutoring timetable.
Conduct regular tutor support meetings.
Manage storage, maintenance and acquisition of games and materials.
Be the chief worrier and problem solver.
KINDERGARTEN & FIRST GRADE TEACHERS:
Identify students who would benefit from Launch services. Work with the coordinator to identify
tutoring
times.
Correspond weekly with Launch tutors via log notebook/orally/email concerning progress and areas of
needed
reinforcement.
Determine when students should enter or exit service.