The calendar just doesn’t count between the young and the young-at-heart
By: Kristin Boyd
The pupils in Melissa O’Donnell’s kindergarten class lined up like dominoes outside the library door, but once they peeked inside, they began wiggling like worms.
"Yeah," Miss O’Donnell said. "It’s GrandPals Day."
The kids zigzagged through the Littlebook School library and latched onto their designated GrandPals, who stood ready with wide smiles and an armful of books.
The GrandPals passed out hugs, and the students beamed with excitement. "I’m so happy you’re here today," one boy said as he squeezed his GrandPal’s arm and pulled her to a nearby table.
The GrandPals, a group of senior citizens, rival rock stars at Princeton’s elementary schools. To the under-7 set, they’re sort of like the Wiggles, Spiderman and Hannah Montana all rolled into one.
"It’s so easy to get through to a child. All you have to do is look in their eyes and get their trust," says GrandPal Alice Frascella, a former day care owner who has received drawings, books and letters from adoring children. "I am part of children and children are a part of me. What I give, I always give back 10 times. It’s very rewarding."
Twice a week, GrandPals visit Littlebrook, Riverside and Community Park schools, where they either read to or work 1-on-1 with nearly 100 children in kindergarten through second grade. About 50 residents are involved with program, which is administered through the Princeton Senior Resource Center.
The GrandPals, some of whom are former teachers, are paired with the same students each week in an effort to build relationships and bridge generation gaps, said GrandPals director Olivian Boon.
In true grandma and grandpa fashion, the GrandPals spoil their pupils with attention and affection, though they shy away from admitting that outright.
At Littlebrook School last week, the GrandPals doled out high-fives, listened to stories about the Tooth Fairy and moderated debates about important issues like who is the best cartoon character ever.
"I think they look at us like we’re their grandmothers," said Ms. Florence Sharpless, who has volunteered as a GrandPal for five years. "You get to know these children, and you feel like you’re making a difference, like you’re influencing them."
Four boys gathered around Ms. Frascella, who kicked her "animated" voice into high gear and launched into "Jellies," a book all about jellyfish.
"Jellyfish are very beautiful, aren’t they," she asked.
"Not really," Daniel said matter-of-factly after studying photographs of the squishy sea creatures.
Ms. Frascella, stifling her laughter, continued, "Well, you wouldn’t want to touch one of these because they’ll sting you."
"But it’s OK to touch them on the beach," Nils added.
"No. I don’t think so," she responded.
"Uh huh, because they’ll be dead," Nils said, shaking his head to emphasize his point. "They can’t hurt you if they’re dead."
Clearly impressed with his observation, Ms. Frascella finally conceded, saying, "Oh, I guess you’re right. I never thought of that."
"These kids are hilarious and so smart," Ms. Frascella said. "My sole purpose of going to see them is to communicate with them. You can get through to each and every one of those children just by talking with them and listening to them. You have to understand them."
GrandPal Carol Forsbeck used humor to connect with her pupils, Ada and Kendall. She imitated a cat’s movements by pretending to lick her "paws" while reading "Tiger’s Adventure."
The girls, busy drawing cats of their own, laughed at her silliness before launching into one of those kindergarten debates.
"I’m 5," Kendall said, while coloring spots on her cat. "No, I’m 5 and a half."
"Well, I’m 6 and three-quarters and one half," Ada said, while coloring purple onto her cat’s eyes.
Ms. Forsbeck a pro continued reading, and in seconds, the great age debate subsided. Both girls refocused their attention on the book.
GrandPals seem to have that kind of magic touch, Ms. Frascella said as her group finished reading "Jellies."
"Write down J-E-L-L-I-E-S. Jellies," she said. "Let’s hurry up so we can read another book. Come on, now, make me proud."
The boys, as they always do, listened intently and wrote about the story in their composition notebooks, which feature a picture of a smiling Ms. Frascella and themselves on the cover.
"Instead of sitting home, come on and sit with the children, and you’ll get the benefits," she said. "I promise you can find so much happiness out of the program."
GrandPals is seeking volunteers. For more information, call director Olivian Boon at (609) 924-7108.