About Project Armchair

My name is Vonda Dahl and I am a reading teacher in Mandan, North Dakota.  I cannot pinpoint the moment when the idea for Project Armchair first popped into my brain.  I do know that a few weeks into the 2015 school year, I became aware that a homeless shelter for families was literally just blocks from my school and several of its residents attended there.  I could not stop thinking about that and about what I might do to contribute.  It dawned on me that as a reading specialist, I could read aloud to children, possibly help them with their reading skills, and in the process, offer the gift of getting lost in a really good story.

But hearing a story is only half the magic.  Why not gift the book to them as well?  Any teacher of reading knows that good readers get there by READING.  Reading is largely practice, practice, and more practice.

I contacted the homeless shelter, Welcome House, and ran my idea by the director.  She was immediately on-board and excited about the possibilities.  I also contacted the hospital pediatric floor.  Would there be a need to read to sick children?  They, too, were excited about having their young patients read to.

And Project Armchair was born.

And so, I read weekly to children at both the hospital and the homeless shelter and have found, not only places of valuable service, but also incredibly appreciative children and parents.  Children in crisis, those who are ill or without a permanent home, can be frightened, confused, and stressed.  Good literature provides a bit of reprieve from their harsh realities.  It is a magic moment of escapism. I expected that from the children.  I find myself surprised that it also seems to have the same effect for their parents/guardians. 

Project Armchair is growing!  In the last year of operation, our local chapter has grown to twenty certified teachers. There are also two teachers from the Fargo area in the orientation process. Another teacher in the Devil's Lake area, and a teacher in Minot, ready to serve in their communities. Various organizations have volunteered to hold book drives for us and we have gladly accepted hundreds of books and given away hundreds as well. With the help of my dedicated volunteer teachers, we can get into both facilities several times a week, increasing literacy, increasing the opportunity for children in crisis to get lost in a good book, and putting more books into the hands of precious, worthy children.

If you would be interested in helping to purchase new copies of quality children's literature, it would be most appreciated.  There is a "Wish List" tab near the top of the home page, listing books appropriate for each grade level.  I will add to it as time allows.  Project Armchair is NOT a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, although my advisory council is currently pursuing that.  If you graciously choose to donate, there is no tax deduction available at this time.

(Project Armchair logo artwork credit:  Ali Hein)