Village Primary Students Read to Seniors
On Tuesday, January 17th, primary students visited Tarrytowne Senior Residential Living Facility to share books and some cheer with the residents to kick off a new community service initiative. Tarrytowne is located across the street from The Village School.
The senior citizen residents have been very excited to have young visitors. Each Tuesday afternoon, the young students visit Tarrytowne equipped with two books. Each child reads one of their reading books to their senior friend. The other book is for the senior friend to read to them.
When asked about this new initiative, Director of Primary School Brian Berneking explained, “An integral part of the educational program at The Village School is community service. Too many times, we underestimate what our youngest learners are able to do, so we ask them to donate an item or bring in money for a worthy cause. My hope is that our primary students will brighten up the day of the senior residents at Tarrytowne…and through these interactions be proud that they are doing just that. This is true community service – making someone’s life better.”
Prior to going to Tarrytowne, classroom teachers read selected books about grandparents and senior citizens that are geared for primary students in order to positively prepare the children for their interactions with their new senior friends.
