Tufts New York event puts focus on young readers, immigration

Joan Bergstrom, J62, listens as Henry Zuckerberg, son of Lloyd Zuckerberg, A84, describes his favorite book.

Susan Hershman, Eliot-Pearson 77, A09P, and an adjunct professor at NYU's School of Education, shares ideas with Joan Bergstrom, J62.

January 15, 2008--Knuffle Bunny, Corduroy, and The Jewel Box Ballerinas are among the many popular books that delight young readers. They were also among the many books on display at a recent Tufts event that focused in part on fostering good reading skills in children.

Co-sponsored by the New York Tufts Alliance, a chapter of the Tufts University Alumni Association, and the 92nd Street Y, the event is the first of other regional chapter programs designed for the busy schedules of Tufts families.

Some 50 alumni and their children came out on Sunday afternoon for a program both thought-provoking and fun.

Joan Bergstrom, J62, director of the Center for International Education, Leadership, and Innovation at Wheelock College, spoke on “How Children and Adults Can Share Literacy Experiences and Favorite Books,” and asked children to talk about their favorite books.

Her talk was followed by brunch and many opportunities for children to experience some of the games, crafts and creative activities featured in Wonderplay and Wonderplay, Too, parents’ guides developed by the 92nd Street Y.

Sol Gittleman, the Alice and Nathan Gantcher University Professor, then presented one of the most hotly debated topics of today when he spoke on “American Immigration from 1620 to the Present: Some Things Never Change.”