The Creeds Senior Reading Buddies Program was recently awarded the Virginia State Reading Association’s Intergenerational Literacy Award at the VSRA Annual Conference. This award is given to an “individual or local council for expanding literacy beyond professional duties and for promoting support from the public, relative to enhancing literacy.”
The Creeds Senior Reading Buddies Program was started in 2011 by reading specialist Jennifer Haws as a partnership between Creeds Elementary and the Senior Resource Center on Princess Anne Road. Seniors volunteer an hour a week to read with three to four students to promote oral reading, comprehension, writing and letter-sound knowledge. Over 20 participating seniors have provided this volunteer service with a smile, sharing their love of literacy with the students of Creeds.
Award money will be used to purchase additional books for next year. If you are interested in learning about the program or in volunteering, please contact Creeds Elementary School at 757-648-2400.
Congratulations Jennifer on your reading program winning this award! This is such a great way for Senior Citizens to be integrated into the schools. I’m sure a lot of these volunteers think about their own grandchildren when they are reading to these young students. This program is also a wonderful way for Senior Citizens to feel valuable and respected. What a great idea! Renee Allbritten (White Oaks Elementary)