10 Connects Hero: Classroom Grandma

Tampa, Florida - The kindergarten class at Booker T. Elementary is filled with wiggling kids. On this day, they're singing a fun song to learn letter sounds. And playing air guitar right along with them is Arlene Lockett.

And, even during quieter times, this class has a special vibe. There's love here and a lot of it comes from Lockett.  But she's not the teacher; she's the classroom Grandma.

"They call me Grandma. They draw pictures for me," says Lockett, who loves the kids like her own.

Lockett volunteers her time as part of the Foster Grandparent program. She gives students a little extra help, sometimes in groups and sometimes one on one. And it's a story of success.

"These children, they're just in kindergarten and they can read very well, very well, and it makes me proud," says Lockett.

But teacher Iva Yoeman says Foster Grandparents make a difference beyond the A, B, C's. "Not only do they make a difference for the children academically, but they offer an emotional support that the children need, that special little hug," says Yoeman, who can't imagine her room without a Grandma.

There are about 165 foster grandparents like Lockett working in Bay area classrooms and the group Seniors In Service can always use more volunteers. School officials say more Grandpas would really be nice, because so many children lack a father figure at home.

If you're interested in volunteering, Lockett would tell you it's worth every minute. Of her classroom experience, she says, "Oh, it's just an overflow of joy!"

For more information on the Foster Grandparent program call Seniors In Service at 813-932-5228 or click here.