Learning to read in English can be difficult for children who grew up speaking another language.

English-language learners (ELLs) in DeKalb public schools are receiving help from NIU students and staff.

The Reaching Out through Art and Reading (ROAR) program is a collaborative effort between NIU’s College of Education and the Department of Literacy Education. Students enrolled in the service learning course Techniques of Tutoring (LTRE 231/431) read books aloud in English and assist ELL children in related art projects to help them connect vocabulary words with their meanings.

The program receives most of its funding from the Center for P-20 Engagement and recently was awarded a grant from Target corporation.

“Target gives five percent of its income to local communities, which today equals more than $3 million a week,” said Jenna Reck, public relations representative at Target. “A significant portion of this giving goes toward funding education programs that focus on helping more U.S. children read proficiently by the end of third grade.”

Ongoing programs like ROAR are eligible to receive the grant each year and there is no limit to how often they may re-apply, Reck said.

Chris Carger, associate professor in the department of Literacy Education, has been spearheading the ROAR program for 14 years and said it is a hidden jewel in the college, making graduating students more marketable and serving the community at the same time.

“It’s one of few areas that are considered high need,” Carger said. “My students really learn the basics of working with English-language learning diverse children.”

Undergraduates from any major or department can enroll in the class, LTRE 231/431, which is currently open to 25 students per semester. Carger said the additional grant money from Target this semester has been great.

“After we read the book, we leave it in the classroom for the kids,” Carger said. “The Target money has allowed us to do that.”

Finding materials for the ROAR program is a collaborative effort. Carger said the program receives art supplies and donations from families, students and churches.

“Helping second language learners enhance their reading proficiency has been very rewarding,” said Ashley Neagle, a communicative disorders major. “It also has taught me many different ways to be patient, new ways to teach information, and how to use my background knowledge, and theirs, to connect to new information.”