This is your moment to shine! Children in Pinellas and Hillsborough County Schools are struggling more than ever. You can be the Classroom Grandparent who makes a difference, just like Grandma Angel. Check out her story below and then email FGP@seniorsinservice.org to learn how you can inspire the love of learning in children this school year.
When Grandma Angel’s doctor suggested she start volunteering to stay active after losing her husband, she never imagined how rewarding it would be. Now, she spends time every week with the same first-graders at Frost Elementary, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life.
Grandma Angel truly became a integral part of the classroom, getting to know each child and feeling like their “real grandma.” She shared, “My heart went out to the students who were frustrated and struggling to read. So, I decided to make it fun. In our small groups, we’d form a circle, hold pinkies, and chant ‘Reading Team’ together! I noticed that after a few times, the kids’ self-esteem soared. They felt included and empowered, thinking, ‘Hey, I can do this!'”
At the end of the school year, Grandma Angel gave each child their own book with a heartfelt, handwritten message encouraging each of them to stay confident and keep learning.
This simple act of volunteering transformed Grandma Angel’s life and made a lasting impact on the children she served. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference and find joy in your life, consider becoming a Classroom Grandparent. It’s a beautiful way to connect, inspire, and be inspired.