Reader Sponsorship. An Intergenerational Service-Learning Experience

Abstract

Literacy is one of the most arduous and difficult processes to assimilate in the Primary Education stage. It is necessary to articulate new methodologies to guarantee practical and motivating reading learning. Thus, by putting learning into practice, it is possible to develop the literacy process of the learners in service contexts filled with emotions and experiences. This study presents the design and evaluation of a reading sponsorship service-learning project among 50 first-year primary school pupils in collaboration with 10 nurse homes users, working together in small groups. The activities are organised in three modules: literacy dynamics, story creation and joint theatre performance. From the students' perspective, the results show an improvement in the Spanish Language and Literature and Reading Comprehension curriculum and a better appreciation of cooperative work. They point out happiness and learning as the main benefits of this intervention. This highlights the need to articulate intergenerational programmes at the regional or state level to ensure this collaborative body in all educational centres, producing reciprocal learning between both institutions.