Established in 2011, and a 501(c)3 nonprofit since 2016, Word Busters partners with schools to help primary students master high-frequency words—a critical foundation for reading success. We believe early literacy success leads to better academic, emotional, and social outcomes throughout a child's education and into adult life.  We are committed to making additional literacy support accessible to schools through the power of community volunteers.

We have grown from serving 25 students in a single classroom to supporting over 2,300 students across 130+ classrooms in 24 schools. Our model relies on well-trained community volunteers who provide consistent, one-on-one practice using self-paced instruction and positive reinforcement.

How Our Program Works

Our volunteers work one-on-one with TK through 2nd grade students to build mastery of high frequency words through consistent, individualized practice.

The Model

Each participating classroom has dedicated volunteers who come once a week throughout the school year, typically from mid-September through mid-May. We require a minimum of three days of volunteer coverage per week and recommend four to five days for optimal student progress.

During each one-hour classroom visit, volunteers work individually with every student in the class for approximately two minutes each. These brief, focused sessions allow students to practice at their own level and pace using their personal word books, ensuring that each child receives instruction tailored to exactly where they are in their learning journey.

Minimal Classroom Disruption

Our program is designed to integrate seamlessly into the existing classroom routine with virtually no impact on instruction time or lesson plans.

What This Looks Like in Practice

When the volunteer arrives and settles at a table in the back of the classroom, the first student immediately joins them. After completing their two-minute session, that student quietly taps the next student's shoulder to signal their turn. This student-led rotation continues until every student has participated—all within approximately one hour.

Teachers continue regular instruction without interruption. Students are away from their seats for just two minutes, and the quiet, orderly flow becomes routine within the first few weeks. The sessions are brief but effective, maximizing learning without disrupting classroom flow. Advanced learners progress quickly while struggling readers receive the repetition they need—all within the same program structure.

Research-Based Methods That Work

Reading experts agree that word recognition is foundational to reading success and that guided practice with repetition is critical for mastery. Our program is built on these proven principles.

Our Approach

Each one-on-one session uses short, explicit exercises where volunteers introduce one new high-frequency word and practice it alongside already mastered words. This structured repetition builds automaticity—the ability to recognize words instantly without decoding.

Our custom sight word books draw from standardized lists including Shefelbine's irregular words and align with Science of Reading research. These are the words students encounter most frequently in text, and mastering them provides a significant boost toward overall reading fluency.

Beyond the Method

The power of our program goes beyond technique. One-on-one sessions build reading confidence and provide the security of knowing a caring adult will help each child persevere until every word is mastered—no matter how long it takes.

Background Checks

All volunteers complete the clearance requirements set by the school and district before entering any classroom.

Comprehensive Training

Before their first classroom visit, volunteers complete three hours of training:

• A one-hour orientation covering program philosophy and expectations

• A two-hour hands-on training session teaching the specific strategies that help students master high-frequency words quickly and effectively

Ongoing Support

Every volunteer is accompanied by a trained mentor on their first day in the classroom. The mentor returns a few weeks later to answer questions and ensure strategies are being executed correctly. Throughout the year, the WB Site Coordinator monitors the program and provides assistance as needed.

This structure ensures that every volunteer in your classroom is prepared, supported, and accountable.

Word Busters handles volunteer training and placement, but successful implementation requires a few key steps from participating schools:

Classroom Setup

Teachers provide a small designated area in the back of the classroom with an adult-sized chair where volunteers can work one-on-one with students, plus space to store the classroom kit containing student books.

Scheduling

Teachers identify a one-hour time block, three to five days per week, when volunteers can work with students. These time blocks don't need to be at the same time each day—we understand that classroom schedules vary and can accommodate different times on different days as needed. The WB Site Coordinator then matches volunteers to the teacher's preferred schedule.

Site Coordinator (Required)

Every participating school must have a designated WB Site Coordinator who serves as the liaison between Word Busters headquarters, volunteers, and the school. The coordinator organizes materials and schedules classroom volunteers based on teacher preferences. This role is essential—we cannot provide the program without one. We do not recommend teachers serve as coordinators given their existing workload.

Volunteer Recruitment Support

Each participating classroom will need to secure three to five volunteers willing to spend one hour each week in the classroom. Word Busters provides recruitment materials for teachers to share with their parents. We can also assist in recruitment efforts, if needed.

 How much does the program cost per classroom?

Please contact Linda LoBue at lindalobue@sightwordbusters.org for pricing details.

What happens if a volunteer can't make it?

We have a substitute system in place. Volunteers who need to miss a day can arrange for team members to fill in. If no substitute is available, service is skipped that day. We can notify you by email when a volunteer will be absent if you'd like.

How do you match volunteers to classrooms?

Our site coordinator matches volunteers to your preferred schedule and coordinates weekly coverage. Volunteers are placed at their school of choice and, when requested, can work in their own child's or grandchild's classroom.

Do volunteers reinforce phonics instruction?

Letter and sound recognition are reinforced in TK and kindergarten and when needed in other grades. However, comprehensive phonics instruction requires a higher level of training than we provide our volunteers. We leave that critical skill development to classroom teachers—the experts.

How many classrooms can participate in our first year?

We recommend new schools start with one grade level, typically first grade, though kindergarten is also an option if you prefer. This focused approach ensures your school's success from the beginning. Additional grades can be added in subsequent years.

What kind of data is collected on student progress?

Teachers have access to student books at any time to monitor progress. At the end of the school year, Word Busters provides each teacher with a data chart detailing the number of words mastered by each student.

Have more questions? Please contact our Executive Director, Linda LoBue.

Phone: (530) 887-8335

Email: lindalobue@wordbusters.org