GEKA McKinnon

Community Partnerships

GEKA McKinnon Educators

In a study conducted by The Institute of Family Studies- TODDLERS AND SENIORS TOGETHER: THE BENEFITS OF INTERGENERATIONAL CARE, - one of the findings highlighted the following; “Participation in intergenerational programs and meaningful cross-age relationships may decrease social isolation and increase older adults’ sense of belonging, self-esteem, and well-being, while also improving social and emotional skills of children and youth participants.”

We believe this research to be true as we have observed it first hand, as part of our partnership with the residents at Claremont Terrace, an Aged Care facility across the road from the Kindergarten.   Children visit throughout the year and interact with the residents. The children take their favourite books, games and coloured pencils to share with their special grown up friends.  Children are equally are delighted when the residents have things to share with them!  It is a valued and rich partnership that continues to grow in strength each year.

In term 4, we have introduced music into the visits.  The children in Possum group have been learning the song by the Beatles “The Yellow Submarine”. When they sang it to the residents at Claremont, it was heart-warming to hear them join in with great gusto!  The children in Kookaburra group took along Suzi (their dance teacher), who facilitated a music and movement work shop with the residents!  So much fun was had by everyone!

This is such a valuable experience for both generations. We have been overwhelmed by how much respect and empathy everyone has for each other. During our time together, we have been keen to hear the residents’ stories and can see that it has shown the children how to communicate in a meaningful way.

We have met Eileen who loves playing the game ‘Connect Four’ with the children.

Pat who is blind, loves listening to stories.

Jim loves music. He said he had been a choir boy at Christ Church South Yarra in the past.

Millie helped the children to complete puzzles.

The children have reflected on the value of their time with the residents at Claremont Terrace, expressing the following:

EVA “I learnt it is nice to say hello and goodbye”

LILY “It makes me feel happy being with our grown-up friends”

JOSH “I like playing with our grown-up friends”

Incorporating experiences such as this into the curriculum for children, we are able to support develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities, understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation and learn to respond to diversity with respect (Outcome 2 of the National Early Years Learning Framework, 2009).  Experiencing respectful, responsive relationships strengthens children’s interest and skills in being and becoming active contributors to their world.