Reading with Role Models: How Real Men Read Is Shaping Young Minds in Susquehanna County
The first Wednesday of every month was Kindergarten’s favorite day in Mrs. Blaney’s classroom in Susquehanna County. It wasn’t just another story time; it was Real Men Read day. Five-year-old Leo, a bright-eyed boy who loved trucks but sometimes struggled to focus during reading, always felt a buzz of excitement on these mornings. For many of the children in his class, positive male role models, especially those engaged in reading, were a powerful and sometimes rare sight.
Today, their visitor was Mr. Vaccaro, a local emergency responder known for his calm demeanor and friendly smile. He wasn’t a teacher, or a parent from the school, but someone who looked like he helped people and kept the community safe. As he settled into the small chair at the front of the room in Montrose, he didn’t just open a book. First, he chatted with the kids, asking about their favorite superheroes and what they wanted to be when they grew up. Leo, usually reserved, piped up about wanting to be a firefighter. Mr. Vaccaro listened intently, making eye contact with each child, before finally holding up a brightly illustrated book about two little mice.
As Mr. Vaccaro read, his voice strong and expressive, he paused often. “What do you think will happen next?” he’d ask, or “Have you ever felt like one of these mice?” He engaged them, not just with the story, but with the ideas and feelings within it. Leo leaned forward, completely engrossed. He watched how Mr. Vaccaro held the book, how his eyes followed the words, and how much joy he clearly took in the story. It wasn’t just reading; it was a performance, an invitation into a new world.
When the story concluded, Mr. Vaccaro didn’t just close the book and leave. He took a moment to chat about the book’s message and answered their eager questions. Then came the moment every child loved: he presented each of them with their very own brand-new copy of the book. Leo clutched his book tightly, running his fingers over the cover. It wasn’t just a story he’d heard; it was a story he owned. He imagined reading it to his stuffed animals later, just like Mr. Vaccaro had read to them.
Real Men Read Volunteer, Dave Palmer reading Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can you?
The United Way of Susquehanna County’s Real Men Read program is about so much more than just books. It’s about cultivating a love for reading by making it an engaging and inspiring experience. By bringing men from all walks of life—business owners, veterans, community leaders, and emergency responders—into kindergarten classrooms once a month, the program provides wonderful positive male role models. These interactions, before, during, and after the reading, show children that reading is cool, important, and something that strong, successful men value. And by sending each child home with their own book, it helps build personal libraries and fosters a lifelong love for reading within their homes.
For children like Leo, these monthly visits from the Real Men Read volunteers are powerful. They see themselves in the stories, they learn that reading is a pathway to knowledge and adventure, and they gain a deeper connection with positive role models who champion literacy. It’s a vital step in giving Susquehanna County’s youngest learners a solid foundation for future success.
How You Can Help
The laughter and learning fostered by the Real Men Read program are invaluable. Your support directly enables the United Way of Susquehanna County to continue bringing these positive role models and cherished books into classrooms across our community.
By investing in this program, you’re not just supporting literacy; you’re building confidence, shaping positive perceptions, and inspiring a new generation of readers and leaders in Susquehanna County.
Please consider making a donation to the United Way of Susquehanna County. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of reading and the impact of positive role models.
To support our mission, please consider making a donation at www.unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org or by mail at United Way of Susquehanna County 67 Public Ave. Montrose, PA 18801.
Disclaimer: Names have been changed and details have been combined and modified to protect privacy.