Year 7 | Intergenerational Learning

This term Mrs Hudson’s Year 7 English class participated in the Intergenerational Learning Program with residents from ARCARE beginning in Week 3 this term and concluding in Week 9. This program provided opportunities for our younger students to engage and interact with the elderly onsite in the Senior Library each week.

This truly was an enriching experience for both students and the elderly who were able to connect with each other with good old conversation.

Topics of discussion included personal heroes, school life in the past, family and friend connections, life lessons amongst a vast variety of talking points that highlighted the differences and similarities between the generations.

Not only were our younger students fascinated by the storytelling of the elderly,  they were especially intrigued by the foreign concept of not have any form of technology to entertain oneself (a common theme that was revisited over and over and over again). It was endearing to see how well our students adjusted the volume, pace and clarity of their speech to adapt to the individual needs of each resident. It was especially touching to see the pure enthusiasm that braced our elderly Grandfriends each week as they connected with students.

We are hoping to continue this program throughout the year with other students.