BUFFALO CENTER, IA - There's no doubt about it reading is one of the most important skills learned in school. Without it, it’s difficult to learn or understand any other subject.
In this day and age of computers, e-readers and cell phones, the days of reading for pleasure are falling by the wayside.
That's why we here at KIMT along with our “Giving Your Best” partners - First Citizens National Bank and Diamond Jo Casino - are honoring a special Volunteer of the Month who helps students grasp the written word.
“Well somebody asked me, and I've always been interested in helping where I can and this is one thing I can do to pay back,” said John Laflen.
Laflen is part of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and works with elementary and middle school students at North Iowa School in Buffalo Center.
“Well it depends on their interests what they want to read I always have newspapers with me so some days we read the sports page,” said Laflen.
Laflen hopes his students' improved reading helps them in other subjects.
“How can you learn math if you can't read? How can you learn English if you can't read? It's critical,” said Laflen.
And volunteer organizers hope Laflen stays with them for a long time.
“He's really giving of his own time and he's so good with the students we just felt he deserved this honor,” said Molly Anderegg, nominator.
Anderegg says while all of their reading volunteers are great, Laflen stood out from the rest this year.
“He really rose to the challenge this year when we had a couple students who needed extra help we had a volunteer who couldn't fulfill her service for the year and john stepped right up,” said Anderegg.
“The sooner you get students on the right track with their reading skills the more success they have as being successful in life,” said Anderegg.
Something Laflen strives to be part of.
“It just makes life so much fuller and it also helps us understand because as you're growing everything you learn in school you have to read,” said Laflen.
