Maggie Kuznia, a cheerful young girl, enjoys spending time with the elderly residents of the Good Samaritan Society Heritage Grove senior living facility, as reported by KARE 11. Among her cherished friends is Patti Griggs, who warmly invites Maggie into her apartment for their shared activity.
At just seven years old, Maggie selects a book from her backpack and sits beside her dear friend Patti to read aloud. Their moments together are cherished by Griggs, who relishes every minute of their companionship.
“She’s such a good little reader. I taught first grade, and I taught kids how to read. There were very few children who could come in and read like that,” Griggs explained.
As part of her routine, Maggie walks through the building, approaching her neighbors and asking if she can share her love of reading with them.
According to information found on the Read Aloud Revival website, the act of reading aloud offers benefits such as enhancing academic performance, expanding vocabulary, and improving information processing skills. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of community and enriches the time spent together.
KARE reported that Maggie’s mother is employed at the senior living facility, and occasionally, Maggie would accompany her mother to work.
In late 2022, there was a day when Maggie chose to leave her Nintendo Switch behind and informed her mother that she intended to bring books to read to her elderly friends instead.
This idea of hers soon turned into a regular practice that the residents greatly appreciate. According to Maggie’s mom, the one-on-one reading sessions have significantly enhanced the child’s reading skills and bolstered her confidence in reading.
