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In a society where screen time is increasingly competing with face to face interaction, children are spending less time socialising, yet interaction across generations is proven to be mutually beneficial to both young people and the elderly. As Age UK Mobility says: “Intergenerational care has great benefits for reducing depression and isolation in the older generation. It can also help with greater mobility and physical skills. For the children it helps them develop empathy and their language and communication skills.”
At Micklefield School in Reigate, the Nursery children visit Abbeyfield, their local independent sheltered housing for the elderly, one afternoon a week to spend time with the residents. They take part in a number of fun activities such as crafts and board games, which support fine motor skill development and memory. The residents also enjoy telling the children stories and singing songs with them.
In the Summer term, Micklefield also hosts special events at Abbeyfield with parachute activities, bubbles, role play and balloon making. Abbeyfield is also making plans to build a larger conservatory and a Summer House in their grounds so that the outdoor/indoor learning can take place all the year round.
This week the children and residents learnt all about the Chinese New Year by painting Chinese numbers and making Chinese food out of plasticine. The children thoroughly enjoyed all of the attention and encouragement they received. One of the boys, Callum, after receiving lots of praise for his number painting said: “Now I can paint a really good number 9”.
Mrs Woods, The Nursery’s Lead Teacher at Micklefield School comments: “We encourage our children to develop a community spirit from a young age. It really helps the children to learn empathy and compassion and they develop a real respect for the elderly. They love going to Abbeyfield and it is one of the highlights of their week. It is lovely to see the residents getting so much out of our visits too.”
Marie, House Manager at Abbeyfield adds: “The Nursery children from Micklefield are so entertaining and bring much excitement to our nursing home! Our residents look forward to the visits and get a lot of pleasure out of helping the children with all the fun activities. They really enjoy their company and reminiscing about what they did as a child. It is also a great way of encouraging them to be more active.”
“Throughout Micklefield School we model how important it is to have respect for others and the positive impact this can have within our local community” Says Mr Arde’, Headmaster at Micklefield School.
To fully appreciate the family atmosphere at Micklefield and what makes the school special, do visit its Open Day on Saturday 7th March from 10am-12noon. To register your interest contact: [email protected] or Tel: 01737 224212.
www.micklefieldschool.co.uk
