A kindergarten in Glenelg Shire is building new relationships with some of the community’s oldest residents as part of an innovative new educational program.
The four-year-old group at Jaycee Kindergarten are regularly meeting with Portland’s Bupa Aged Care Facility residents to read, sing, talk and play together as part of a plan to build greater connections between the kindergarten and wider community.
Each month the pupils pack their favourite books, toys and games and make the short walk along Wellington Road to the neighbouring aged care facility for what is becoming a highlight of the early learning curriculum.
Jaycee teacher Jessica Waite said the children also enjoyed hosting the Bupa residents at the kindergarten for a morning of fun activities, including playdough and craft sessions.
“It is fantastic to see the residents’ faces glow as the children interact with them through song, story and conversation,” said Ms Waite.
“Our last visit included performances of favourite children’s songs such as ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’, which the residents enjoyed interacting and singing along to – I am sure it brought back many fond memories of when they sang to their own children.”
Ms Waite said the social connections created through the regular visits have been bringing widespread benefits to both services.
“These visits greatly support both the residents of Bupa and our children. Some of these residents suffer from dementia, memory loss and cognitive limitations. “They find new energy when these enthusiastic little four-year-old visitors race into the room.
“They are building lasting relationships and our children are gaining new confidence, particularly in their conversation skills.
“It is an absolute delight to watch them interact and enjoy each other’s company.”
