Pat Wilson explains "Alphabet Junction" to a group of volunteer kindergarten tutors Thursday at a training session hosted by the United Way of the Lowcountry at Ridgeland Elementary School. Wilson is the founder of "Alphabet Junction," a hands-on visual form of teaching kindergarten students. United Way wants to train 600 volunteers for eight schools in Beaufort County, with the goal of getting at least 80 percent of local students reading at grade level by fourth grade. United Way is hosting another reading-tutor training session from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 27 at Hilton Head Island Elementary School. Details: 843- 982-3040.

Delayna Earley, The Beaufort Gazette