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Wizard of Words

Commissioned by: Barnardos

Project Description: An evaluation, using Randomised Control Trials to evaluate a reading improvement service implemented by Barnardos among 1st and 2nd class primary school students in Dublin & Limerick   A new reading improvement service called Wizards of Words, managed by Barnardos, (WoW) provides a service whereby children in need of additional reading tuition are paired with an older volunteer (aged 55 or over) for three one-to-one pull-out reading sessions a week.  The service aims to make small improvements in the children’s reading and it seeks to encourage and promote their interest in and love of reading as well as improving their self esteem by building their confidence in their own ability to read and comprehend the books and print material they encounter in their day-to-day life.  Evaluation outcomes will focus on the participants increased capacity to learn and develop and improved emotional well-being.

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