PROGRAM IDEAS

The following is a list of suggestions and ideas which may be useful to a group.  They are not guidelines.  The needs, desires, and activities of each group will vary with the population of the group.  Some groups, especially those with many infants, need not have any activities planned.  Other groups with older children may find that certain activities will help stimulate interaction between the children and the seniors.  The most important thing is to focus on touching and interaction between the two generations.  The means to achieve such interaction is up to the discretion of the Program Supervisor.


Program Suggestions

1. BABIES - if it's a baby's feeding time, allow a senior to hold the baby and give him/her a bottle.  Realize that even a six month old baby may feel quite heavy to an elderly person.  They may want, or be able to hold an infant for only a few minutes.

2. EXERCISES - encourage children to exercise with the mothers and seniors.  Often, a child exercising directly in from of a senior will encourage the senior to participate.

3. REFRESHMENTS - have children pass out napkins and any non liquid item that is served.  (If they are old enough)  Bake special cookies or cupcakes for holidays.  For safety reasons, it's best not to carry trays of refreshments around.  Take drink orders and pass them out individually.

4. THEME DISCUSSIONS - the supervisor may wish to involve the mothers by providing a topic for them to discuss with the seniors.  Some theme ideas are:  Holidays (how did they use to celebrate them as a child or now as an adult?), hobbies (past or present), families, jobs, state/area raised in, current events, etc.  Encourage the mothers to tell the seniors about themselves, and encourage the seniors to focus on the happy, pleasurable experiences in their lives; to bring forth their accomplishments.

5. NAMES - ask mothers to try and learn two names each week.

6. NOISE - obviously, when you have a group of mothers, children, and seniors together, the noise can sometimes become quite loud.  You should be aware that high levels of noise can be particularly irritating to infants and seniors.  If the noise level gets too loud, gently remind the mothers and children that they need to talk more softly.
 
 
 
Program Activities

1. PUPPETS - it's good to have a few puppets on hand to pass out to the seniors.  This greatly attracts the children to the seniors.

2. STORY TIME - have short, large print stories for seniors to read to the children.

3. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS - for both residents and children.  Again, remember to be conscious of the noise level.

4. BALLS - pass out a few balls to the children and help them go around the room and throw their ball to each senior.   Balls should be large Nerf balls, or small beach / air filled type variety.

5. BUBBLES - have seniors blow or wave bubble wands for the children.

6. BALLOONS - filled with 1/2 tsp. of rice, can replace ball throw.  Rice adds sound element and makes balloons heavier, and therefore easier to control.