Children’s Author Reads to Kids at Special Education School
Participating in the children’s library author reading program, Dunn-Dern answered questions from the curious children. From illustrations to real-life therapy dogs, the answers piqued further interest from the foster care children and special education students.
“I truly believe whatever the child’s situation, literacy transcends wherever you are in life,” said Dunn-Dern.
For these children, who suffer from mental health issues, and for students with learning disabilities, having someone like Dunn-Dern take time to read and listen to them significantly boosts their self-esteem. For Sherri Ginsberg, Hillsides librarian, captivating the children’s interest in books increases when an author reads their own published work. “I never know what is going to inspire a child and that’s exciting for me,” said Ginsberg.
One child said about the author, “It’s good to see a person who has a nice voice read a book.” Another student commented on how young Dunn-Dern looked, which caused an eruption of laughter. With a smile from ear to ear, Dunn-Dern said to Ginsberg, “I’m coming back.”
Visiting a foster care charity and a special education school was a first for Dunn-Dern, who was impressed with how engaged the children were and how curious they were to learn.
“I would hope the children can figure a way to channel their previous experiences by writing their stories. I think it can heal,” said Dunn-Dern, adding that sometimes the harder their life is, the more interesting a person can become and have more to offer others. “These children, as adults, can be teachers if they shared their stories to help others who are experiencing challenging and difficult times in their lives.”
For more information on the foster care charity’s library program and how you can help, call Ginsberg at 323-254-2274. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org and to learn more about the special education school, visit www.HillsidesEducationCenter.org. To view Dunn-Dern’s website, visit www.derngoodbooks.com.
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Hillsides
940 Avenue 64
Pasadena, CA 91105
(323) 254-2274
info@hillsides.org
www.Hillsides.org
www.HillsidesEducationCenter.org
Contact: Marisol Barrios-Jordan
(323) 254-2274 ext. 274
mbarriosjordan@hillsides.org
About Hillsides: As a Pasadena foster care charity founded in 1913, Hillsides creates safe places for children at risk and their families by providing residential care, mental health services to break the cycle of domestic violence, special education, and advocacy. To learn more about Hillsides, visit www.Hillsides.org.