Warwick pupils share the joy of reading out aloud with older generation

Pupils from Warwick School were guests at Care UK’s Priors House care home in Old Milverton Lane to celebrate the annual World Read Aloud Day.

Residents from Priors House enjoyed a day of literature-based activities with the students who spent time reading aloud, and discussing favourite books with their hosts.

After the reading session, everyone tucked into afternoon tea prepared by head chef Marcin Ignatowicz.

The Care UK team was also joined by the local community, and everyone that attended enjoyed an exclusive screening of a short film created by Care UK featuring international Storyteller Laureate, Taffy Thomas MBE.

In the film, Taffy, the patron of The Society for Storytelling, provided his top tips and advice for reading and explained the therapeutic benefits of reading aloud to older people.

Home manager, Francine Summers, explained why Priors House was one of several Care UK care homes that took part in World Read Aloud Day: “It may come as a surprise to many just how beneficial reading aloud can be for older people; particularly those living with dementia.

“Here at Priors House interactive reading sessions are very important to us as they help us to engage residents and encourage communication.”

Lifestyle coordinator, Jon Sneath, added: “We always look to get residents involved in different activities to encourage independence.

“By taking part in World Read Aloud Day, residents had the opportunity to engage in a brilliant day of storytelling and reading aloud activities with the students from Warwick School.

“The residents really enjoyed being read to and sharing their own stories with the younger generation.

“We’d like to thank the local pupils for helping us to celebrate this special day.”

World Read Aloud Day encourages 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.

To watch the film, please go to careuk.com/wrad or for more information, please go to litworld.org/wrad/