Reading Aloud

Will You Do It?

About this Activity

The 16th of February was “International Reading Aloud Day.”

According to litword.org:

“World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words and creates a community of readers taking action to show the world that the right to literacy belongs to all people. Millions of people celebrate world Read Aloud Day in more than 100 countries.”

As an activity director in a nursing home, I remember one of our residents who was an avid reader all her life. Her eyesight had deteriorated to a degree where she could no longer see the text in books. For a person who was not interested in group activities, she was now deprived of her greatest past-time.

I visited with her sometimes and always asked if she would like me to read aloud for her for a while. The answer was almost always yes, and I have to say that the pleasure that she got out of it was rewarding for both of us. And as this lady liked very interesting books, I got as much out of the interaction as she did. It gave her an activity, some social interaction, and me a bit of ‘quiet time’ during a busy day.

If you know someone in this situation, be it in their own home or a residential setting, it can be an enjoyable and satisfying experience for both you and the recipient.

And, of course, it doesn’t have to be an older person or someone with poor eyesight. I think most children are delighted when someone takes time out to read to them.

Happy Reading,

Maria Brady

Activity Coordinator & CQO at Maria’s Place