Intergenerational interaction benefits young and old alike. And this mutually beneficial relationship was on display in March when 63 Barkers Point Elementary School students paid two visits to residents at Fredericton’s York Care Centre (YCC) nursing home. Students and seniors played Bingo, made bracelets, and students sang songs they had practiced for the occasion. The two groups spent an hour playing, talking, and having fun together.
This was the first visit from students YCC has had since Covid began, said Crystal Roberts, District Experiential Learning Coordinator. “Some seniors were in tears. They were so excited to see children again!”
“Teachers said this was an amazing activity,” said Roberts. “Their students were excited to go and really connected with the seniors, and the home was so welcoming.”
Some students were nervous at first but overcame that to have a lot of fun, she said. According to YCC, the seniors had a lovely time. Unfortunately, they missed these intergenerational meeting opportunities during the pandemic and hope to schedule more in the near future.
Barkers Point Elementary School is committed to keeping the relationship going too. A group of students will be returning to YCC in May.
