Interact Program
Senior Reading in Plum Schools
Rita DiChiera Reads to 4th Grade at
Holiday Park School
Paula Wasko Reads to 2nd grade at Adllai Stevenson School. She has been an interact reader for two years
David Wiles has been a reader for ten years.
He reads to Grades 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Readers
Denise Accettula
Ann Carney
Rita DiCarney
Anna Festa
Rose Hurley
Mary Jean Passant
Joyce Query
Madelyn Schaffer
Paula Wasko
David Wiles
Mary Lou Wolfram
The Interact Program began in 1990 as a partnership between the Plum Senior Community Center and the Plum Borough School District. Adult readers were needed to read in the district's elementary classrooms in an attempt not only to have the children see others reading, but to foster a love of reading in the children themselves. And, it works!
How long are the sessions?
The readings last from 15 minutes to one half hour in each room, but many readers choose to read in more than one classroom. There are currently about 16 readers in Plum's elementary schools.
What are the requirements?
The training and requirements are simple. Since the teacher is in the classroom, he or she directs the volunteer. The teacher often supplies the reading materials and sometimes builds a lesson around the readings. Volunteer readers are invited to periodic luncheons at the Senior Center where they meet with teachers, principals, and administrators to ask questions and share their experiences.
How are volunteers recruited?
Volunteers are generally recruited one-on-one by word of mouth. New recruits are invited to attend a luncheon or to go along with a seasoned reader to observe.
What are the benefits?
The exchange between the generations has proved to be invaluable. Many seniors and children are separated by great distances from their families and some seniors have no grandchildren at all. This program really helps them keep in touch with today's youth while building relationships that help to cement our community together.
Overall, the Interact Reading Program is one of the best things we do for our community, our children, and our seniors.
Join us and volunteer today. Call (412) 795-2330 ask for Nina for more information.
Plum Senior Community Center
499 Center - New Texas Rd
Plum, PA 15239
412-7995-2330
If you want more information contact Cmossburg4@comcast.net
