Reading already has many benefits, and now one group in Montgomery County is adding one more: building intergenerational relationships. KleinLife: Montgomery County holds weekly storytimes that help connect children and senior citizens.
“The benefits of intergenerational reading are multitude,” said Gail Korostoff, program director for KleinLife Montgomery County. “The reading, of course, is good for everybody, old and young. The interaction between generations is delightful.”
KleinLife: Montgomery County is a nonprofit organization that provides social, educational and cultural programs, including a drop-in program for seniors Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at their Elkins Park location inside Congregation Adath Jeshurun. On Wednesdays one of the synagogue’s preschool classes joins the KleinLife seniors with their favorite picture books.
“Some of the seniors, just a few who are interested, come and read a storybook to that particular class,” Korostoff said.
This week seniors read seasonally appropriate books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Sammy Spider’s First Purim by Sylvia Rouss. In addition to reading, storytimes can also include some singing.
The program is great way to promote literacy while creating a meaningful experience between the youngest and oldest generations, organizers said.
“Really it’s great to see little kids get used to older people,” Korostoff said. “Older people love interacting with little kids. It’s a piece of the fabric of life here to have all the ages together.”
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