Lions Gate residents share joy of reading with Kellman Brown kids 'Book Bubbies':
By DAVID PORTNOE
Jewish Community Voice staff
May 20, 2009
Gavi Melman, a kindergartner at Kellman Brown Academy, loves to learn Hebrew, a fact that makes Eva Vlessing very happy. Vlessing comes every two weeks to Kellman Brown to read to Melman, always highlighting a few words in Hebrew.
"We learn colors and numbers. The students remember the words," said Vlessing, one of a group of 10 Lions Gate residents who visits Kellman Brown every other Wednesday to read to the kindergarten class. The Lions Gate residents are known as "Book Bubbies." They read stories and share their insights with the children.
"I like when she reads me the Hebrew books. It helps me learn a different language," said Gavi. An avid reader, she particularly likes books about princesses. "I like reading with my 'book bubby.' We're spending time together and learning stuff," she said.
Rafi Hyman-Fessler's taste in books runs more towards science fiction. He is a big Star Wars fan. He too looks forward to visits from the Lions Gate Book Bubbies. He always practices his reading before they arrive. "It's fun to read," he said.
"Book Bubbies" started several months ago. The idea originated at Lions Gate, a continuing care retirement facility affiliated with the Jewish Federation. Lions Gate residents do several intergenerational programs with Kellman Brown. The two facilities are just down the street from each other in Voorhees.
"It's been such a wonderful program that we already have plans to do it next year," said Rachel Zivic, learning specialist at Kellman Brown. She said that the program is special because every two weeks the same students are paired with the same Lions Gate residents.
"In their small groups, they have an opportunity to talk about what they have read," said Candy Rubin, a kindergarten teacher at Kellman Brown. She said that the children have an opportunity to interact with someone from a generation different from that of their parents and teachers. Rubin also sees a positive effect on the Lions Gate residents. "They are so happy to see the children."
Zivic said that the book bubbies program helps the children learn to love reading. She said that the kids sit right next to their book bubbies, smile, and often can't wait to turn the pages. "It has a big impact on the kids."
After the book bubbies and the kids finish reading, the young students gather together to sing songs. They also draw pictures to give to their book bubbies.
For Michele Brill, the visits to Kellman Brown have special meaning. During her career, she taught science at the day school. She likes to pick out science books for the students to read.
"They are anxious to learn and they remember the books from one session to another," said Brill. "They are delightful."
