Reading bridges the generation gap

ALBERTON Its a heartwarming scene elderly seniors and pre-teens in pairs reading together.

Its happening in the main lounge at Maplewood Manor in Alberton. The children, Grades 5 and 6 students from Alberton Elementary, have brought along their favourite storybooks and are reading to the residents.

Some of the residents listen intently to every word; others, not so much. But the reading continues nonetheless.

Gracie Gaudet, the manors activity co-ordinator, has witnessed the impact this intergenerational program has had on residents and students.

Friendships are formed and bonds are made, she said.

In some cases students are paired with elderly relatives.

The program gave Brett Leard a chance to spend each Tuesday with his great-grandfather, Roy Leard. First I read a book and then I talk to him a bit, Brett said after reading from Can you Catch Josephine?.

Every second Tuesday during the school year Grade 5/6 teacher Robert MacNaught brings his class to the manor to read to the residents. Hes been doing it for seven years.

He calls he program: Bridging the Generation Gap: A Reading Legacy.

Its just something that motivates them to read, rather than be in the classroom all of the time, MacNaught explained. Its a time to read and a time to socialize, he said.

Manor residents sometimes talk about the jobs theyve had and about their children. Sometimes the seniors and students discover they have acquaintances in common.

Snacks for the students and hugs for the residents bring each visit to a close.

This weeks visit, however, was MacNaughts last. Next year he returns to OLeary Elementary, where he taught previously for eight years.

While in OLeary he brought his students to the Lady Slipper Villa to read to residents. He plans to reinstate it when he returns.

Gaudet is hoping another teacher picks up the program in Alberton, as residents look forward to the visits and the sharing.

She said the impact is long-lasting.

Some of the participants in past years continued on their own to visit their new senior friends at the Alberton manor.



wbureau@journalpioneer.com