Until We Read Again

Tulua and Teehani Aivao enjoy their last Read Aloud at Kualapu`u Elementary.

Read Aloud program holds last session of 2008.

By Brandon Roberts

“My kids begged me to bring them,” said Lenora Aivao. “They really look forward to this.” Aivao and her keiki Tulua (8), Teehani (7), and Taoso (18 months) attended four of the six Read Aloud programs held at Kualapu`u Elementary School. “This program has really helped – our family loves to read, and now we read a lot.”

This past Wednesday was the last of the Read Aloud series to be held at Kualapu`u and Maunaloa this year. The program will return next January to the Kilohana and Kaunakakai Elementary Schools. This was also the last session with co-founder and presenter Jed Gaines. Next year, local educator Matt Helm will head up the program.

“Anything positive, I am up for it,” Helm said of Read Aloud, “and what a great way to bring families together.” Helm came to the first session with his family, and has seen a difference in his `ohana. “Look at the statistics, this program works.”

Some families attended all six Read Aloud sessions, like Ronette Castro and her grandsons, Kukahi (10) and Kama`aina (9) Meyers. “The boys have had a lot of improvement in their reading skills, and enjoy it,” Castro said.

The enjoyment factor is tops for the Read Aloud program, which creates an atmosphere where the keiki read for pleasure. “I enjoy reading more and more, and have really gotten interested in books,” said the Meyer’s boys. Kukahi recently read ‘Tiger Rising” which is almost 200 pages long.