Students at Oquirrh Elementary School are getting a boost in their reading skills thanks to an unexpected group of senior citizen volunteers from the nearby Sunridge Assisted Living Center. The intergenerational reading program began when a parent reached out to the assisted living facility after the school needed additional volunteers to support its kindergarten and first grade reading program.
The Sunridge Assisted Living Center buses residents down once a month to spend time with elementary students who need extra help with their reading, creating meaningful connections while boosting the students’ literacy skills. Among the volunteers is a former Jordan School District teacher who now resides at the assisted living center, bringing decades of educational experience to the program.
The partnership has provided students with one-on-one attention while giving senior residents an opportunity to stay engaged with their community.