Summary

I am working to implement a multi-generational experience through the visual arts.  I teach art to the kindergarten students at my school.  Their service learning project, as deemed by the service learning director, is the elderly.  This usually consists of collecting personal care items and bagging them for distribution, a visit from a few elders to watch the kinders sing, and maybe a visit of the kindergarteners to a nearby care facility.  The interaction between the generations is very limited, and not sustained over any period of time.  The benefits to both generations seems minimal to me.

As I was reading about the various projects undertaken in an effort to combine the generations, I started to think about our kinders and how I could add more depth to their service learning as well as a meaningful and respectful experience for some elders.  Can I get together with a nearby facility and have some fairly mobile and talkative people come to my school for five concurrent art classes with the same class of kindergarten students? Maybe even a small group that enjoy the visual art therapy or sessions where they live. During this period of constant contact, the elders could tell stories from their own experiences – what was their childhood like, their parents, their cars, their toys, etc.  My students could draw what their elder person is describing.  I am still thinking of how to combine this, what the elders would create, and how to end it.  Possibly a mural or some sort of art exhibit at the care facility?  This is only in the beginning stages.

Last week, I proposed this idea to the Head of Lower School.  To say that she is onboard is an understatement.  She is so excited for the increased interaction between our students and the older generation.  I will begin looking for a facility to work with, and try this out in the 2015-16 school year!  I hope to see a benefit for all parties involved.