Reading with a Granny

Abstract

Reading with a Granny (RwG) is an innovative program designed to address the decline in students' reading habits by fostering a love for books through active participation. Geared toward 3rd and 4th graders, this two-phase remote initiative pairs students with a "Reading Granny"— a retired teacher who guides them in reading aloud. The program is supported by a team of seven dedicated "Reading Grannies", guided by an experienced project leader. The "Reading Grannies" are experienced educators with a strong background in reading instruction, providing supportive and personalized feedback to young readers. The reading sessions take place remotely four times a month, each lasting 20 minutes. This flexible and time-efficient format makes the program both convenient and rewarding for teachers and students alike. Following the reading sessions, students create book reviews or short videos to be showcased on the RwG website. The program aims to enhance reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary development. RwG's adaptable framework allows it to be implemented in diverse educational settings worldwide. Case studies from international RwG projects will be presented, including two initiatives at Athens Finland School and one at Limassol Finland School, involving students aged 7–14. Notably, some participants were third-generation Finns with limited exposure to the Finnish language in their daily lives.