14 October 2024
An early childhood teacher has brought aged-care residents into her kindergarten class to encourage mutual enrichment.
After binge-watching the television show 'Old People's Home for 4 Year Olds,' Katie Atterton, from Walliston Primary School, was inspired to establish an intergenerational playgroup between her class of 24 students and the local aged care centre.
With overwhelming support from her school’s principal and administration staff, Katie contacted local aged-care centres and quickly established a partnership with a group of very excited residents.
Unlikely friends. The relationships formed during the program proves that age is just a number.
“The research that’s been conducted into intergenerational playgroups shows massive benefits and growths for both the children and the elderly participants,” Katie said.
“I was anticipating that I would have to contact a few before I could find one that would be keen, but they got back to me straight away and said they loved the idea.”
Aged care resident Gail, whose children are grown now, said that she can’t wait to return home after every visit and tell her husband all about it.
Passionate about holistic development, Katie is proud of the program’s promotion of student growth beyond literacy and numeracy.
“I've seen the development of more empathy and compassion,” she said.
“Even their vocabulary; interacting with an adult from a different generation really helps to expand and challenge their thinking and deepen their understanding.”
The program also promotes positive mental health for both parties. With families working full-time, Katie acknowledges that the amount of one-on-one time children have with adults is declining, and the same goes for aged-care residents.
At 102 years of age, Francis can attest to this.
“We love coming, how refreshing it is, how young and full of beans,” she said.
Learn more about the Walliston Primary School intergenerational playgroup.
