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.
