(NOVEMBER 2022)—James A. Dever Elementary School recently relaunched its Intergenerational Reading Program. “Volunteers and our students mutually benefit from the program,” noted Darren Gruen, Principal of James A. Dever Elementary School. “Our young readers and adult volunteers, through their interaction, positively inspire each other, leading to a greater love of reading.”
Every Monday, students from first grade to fourth grade come to the library and pick a book to read with the volunteers from the National Council of Jewish Women. The experience of hearing a book read out loud, and having the opportunity to discuss the book’s themes and story, helps stimulate students’ reading comprehension, creativity, and emotional intelligence. The overall experience creates a bond between generations and develops friendships and reading skills that last a lifetime.