Reported by Andrew Zhou
Smiling Stars Reading Program is a new project by AYLUS San Diego and kicked off on September 23, 2023.
This program serves a dual purpose: to facilitate meaningful connections with local children with autism and improve their communication skills, while simultaneously improving their foundational reading comprehension skills. Our commitment is not only to foster a safe and fun group environment but also to encourage these children to engage, communicate, and learn with enthusiasm.
During the meetings, our volunteers wish to act as “buddies” with the local kids with autism while also helping them improve their basic reading comprehension, in the process encouraging them to communicate and participate, and have fun in a group environment. Our volunteers plan fun activities while learning, and additionally build their communication and reading comprehension skills by encouraging participation. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safe, fun, and comfortable environment to create a better learning environment, and at the same time, allow the kids to interact with people and learn basic reading skills.
On April 20, 2025, from 2 – 5PM, we hosted an in-person Easter celebration with all of our students. The weather was beautiful that day, and we met up at the park. The younger kids had a great time—A. especially enjoyed the playground, exploring the play structure, sandbox, and swings. E. loved playing with the dog and spending time with R. and our volunteers. Our team played frisbee with the kids, teaching them how to throw and catch, and we also played a fun game of basketball together. Later on, we moved to some calmer activities, like painting ceramic structures while enjoying lots of delicious food. To wrap up the day, we played guitar and listened to music together. Both tutors and students had a fantastic time and loved the festive, joyful atmosphere of the event.
AYLUS Members that participated in the Smiling Stars on 4/20/2025:
Andrew Zhou (3 volunteer service hours)
Lauren Kan (3 volunteer service hours)
Max Yang (3 volunteer service hours)
Emily Wu (3 volunteer service hours)
Sophia Wu (3 volunteer service hours) and
Linda (Ziyu) Yang (3 volunteer service hours)
