Advancing childhood literacy through a social justice lens

We are so glad you are interested in volunteering with us! Please fill out our volunteer form below. Scroll down for an overview to help you prepare for your visit to Start Lighthouse's Literacy Hub.

Volunteer Form

Where will you be volunteering?

PS/MS 5 is located in the Port Morris section of the Bronx. The school is accessible by the 2 and 5 subway lines at the Jackson Avenue stop.

What does the Literacy Hub look like?

Start Lighthouse transformed a school library, defunct for 16 years, into a vibrant, colorful space filled with books, cozy reading spots and tables and chairs. Classes of students often sit on the rug to hear a story read aloud and then move to the tables to work on an activity.

Who are the students?

The students of PS/MS 5 are curious, enthusiastic learners, excited about new experiences. As with any group of children, their interests, skills and emotions are diverse, so we work to meet their individual needs as much as possible. 

Many of the students are bilingual and 80% of the children speak Spanish as their first language. There are a significant number of students who have emigrated from other countries. Students come from diverse backgrounds, including their religions. A number of Muslim students practice their faith by wearing head coverings and some students will take advantage of the prayer space provided by the school.  

What will you be doing?

During your visit, you will be interacting with groups of students during multiple periods. One period you may be with a second grade class and the next you may be with a seventh grade class. 

All reading material and activities will be prepared and ready for you to use and Start Lighthouse staff will be with you throughout your visit to support you. When you get to the Hub, you’ll receive more specific information and instructions.  

Some suggestions for making the most of your visit:

  • Be open and sensitive about the students and their lives outside of the classroom.

  • Be a good listener. Take your cues from the students.

  • Remember that students do their best if they can.  If a child is acting out or is unfocused, there are probably reasons. Ask one of the teachers or a member of Start Lighthouse for context. 

  • Look for alternate ways to communicate with students, such as hand gestures, Google translate or even drawing emojis.  

  • Building trust takes time and patience. Not all students are comfortable speaking with new people.