The students, in Grade 2 and Grade 5, pair up with a resident and share two books aloud. The initiative, Reading Buddies, began Oct. 31 at Pleasant Meadow Manor. If the first day is any indication, it should be a worthwhile experience for residents and students alike, says Chris Charlebois, life enrichment supervisor.

The program was started by Chris “to involve our home with our community and to also incorporate more intergenerational programming,” she says.

The nearby elementary school, Norwood District Public School, has been participating in a reading program internally at the school for years, says Chris. She approached teacher Karen Vandenberg about extending the program to residents. “She was more than eager to get something set up,” says Chris.

Chris envisions matching the same students with a particular resident each month, “that way they can develop a relationship,” she says. “We teamed them up the best we could.”

Twenty-eight residents are involved in the program. The students join the residents and find a quiet spot in the lounge, dining room or activity room to share a few stories. “They sit together and listen to the students read,” says Chris. She notes some residents who are capable helped the students read, while others listened. “You could just see there was a really good atmosphere in here.”

Resident Egbert Bosma was pleased to have the children visit.
“The one in the second grade was most enjoyable,” he says.

“They were reading from a book. I enjoyed it.” Egbert says he’s looking forward to seeing the children again.

The plan is to continue the program indefinitely, notes Chris.