Reading in the Community Project
Our Primary Department have embarked on a new and meaningful initiative, the ‘Reading in the Community’ project, which aims to promote reading for pleasure and oracy skills.
Mrs Eccles, Primary Reading Lead, told us more:
“This project involved pupils visiting The Old Garden care home in Hoylake, where they connected with elderly residents through reading and conversation. Pupils were paired up with an elderly “buddy” to read some stories. This enriching experience provided the residents with a delightful and heartwarming interaction and allowed the pupils to practise their reading and communication skills in a real-world context.
To support their listeners, pupils were encouraged to read a little louder and slower, as some residents may be hard of hearing. This was an excellent opportunity for the children to develop empathy, patience, and understanding of how companionship can brighten the lives of others. The residents eagerly looked forward to meeting their young readers and listening to short stories. The project has been a mutually rewarding experience for everyone involved”.
Quotes
Pupil: “I liked reading to my buddy; he looked forward to story time each week too. I spoke loudly to help him hear, and I talked about what was happening on each page”.
Resident: “It was wonderful to see stories with a splash of colour and listen to them being read. When I was little, all books were black and white”.
Mrs Eccles, Primary Reading Lead: "Reading to their elderly buddies each week has improved pupil’s confidence, fluency, volume and nurtured their empathy and patience. This unique experience benefits both generations, fostering meaningful connections and a shared love of stories. It’s a powerful reminder of how reading can unite people and enrich lives in many ways”.