By: Wilma Abriel
Here they come! A school bus loaded with Gr. 1 and 6 children from Lansdowne School and their teacher, Mrs. Petrella or Mrs. Goodrow. “What are they doing there?” the neighbours of Riverview Terrace may ask. I’ll let you in on a secret. The six year olds, ten year olds, and even high school children are going to visit the residence seniors under the auspices of the SKIP program (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs).
Yes, seniors once had a childhood and the children are interested. They may find themselves talking to Jim, the plumber. He loved his job and tells about it. Maybe, yes maybe he may tell the child about their future job as a plumber. They will meet a 98 year old former tap dance teacher. “Wow, did that white-haired lady teach tap dancing?” They will meet a former Physical Education teacher, a former lady baseball player, and a lady who sang travelling to many places as an entertainer. They will meet an artist. There are many student artists who enjoy painting or viewing art. You name it, you may find a senior who did it! Some may even demonstrate a skill. Yes! Now this people with white hair are great grandparents who had many skills. Each person benefits from the other.
The students love to make a craft; a card or some item relating to a story they first heard from their teacher. They can leave this card or gift with their new found friend.
Some students form lasting friendships. Some form lasting lessons for life which change their attitudes or goals.
Often, children have little contact with grandparents or older adults. The adults in a senior residence may find themselves as the last person living of their friends. Family members are busy and seldom come for a visit.
The SKIP program seeks to answer some of the needs of each age group. Thus the name SKIP. Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Programs tries to live up to its chosen name.
