Grandma Readers Wanted

Building Connections, One Page at a Time

Robina Baker Elementary is once again opening its doors and looking for warm, enthusiastic volunteers to join a special initiative that is changing the way students experience reading.

The program began in 2024 when two passionate educators, Mrs. Mullen and Mrs. Dupont, set out to enhance the school’s literacy curriculum. They wanted to create an opportunity for students to practice reading in a relaxed, encouraging environment outside the traditional lesson format. Because the very first wave of community volunteers happened to be grandmothers, the initiative naturally earned the heartwarming title of the Grandma Readers Program.

How the Program Works

The strength of the program lies in its flexibility and personal touch. Volunteers come into the school for times that fit conveniently into their own schedules, providing one-on-one reading sessions with students across various grade levels.

Rather than following a rigid script, volunteers read books tailored specifically to each child’s unique reading level and personal interests—whether that means exploring fairy tales, diving into animal encyclopedias, or decoding comic books.

Heartfelt Connections

One of the charter volunteers was Grandma Mullen, the mother-in-law of teacher Mrs. Mullen. To avoid confusion with the teacher already on staff, the students affectionately dubbed her "Grandma Mullen"—a nickname that stuck.

For Grandma Mullen, the time spent at the school quickly became a highlight of her week.

“I love being a Grandma Reader,” explained Grandma Mullen. “When I come into the school, kids are happy to see me, and they tell me how they are doing and what they are reading.”

While the initial goal was simply to support literacy, the program quickly proved to offer much more than fluency practice. Dedicating just a couple of hours a week allowed volunteers to build deep, meaningful bonds with the students over time.

“It is more than reading with the kids,” Grandma Mullen shared. “Reading helps to start the trust and makes them feel safe, then the relationship grows.”

Unexpected Rewards

Volunteers often find that they gain just as much from the experience as the students do, frequently discovering unexpected perks along the way. Connecting with a younger generation opens up whole new worlds of pop culture, trivia, and humor.

“I learned so much about Pokémon character names and how to pronounce them,” Grandma Mullen laughed.

How to Get Involved

Robina Baker Elementary is actively seeking new volunteers to help keep this vibrant program growing. Whether you have a background in education or simply a love for stories and supporting local youth, your time can make a lasting difference in a child's life.

Note: Despite the name, you do not actually have to be a grandmother to join—all community members, grandfathers, aunts, uncles, and neighbors are welcome!

• To learn more or sign up as a volunteer, please call the office at 780-987-3705.