Intergenerational Day

By: Carol Fabiyan

School: Marlboro HS,

Grade Levels: Juniors and seniors in Child Development Lab II

Academic Focus/

Core Curriculum Standards:

Language Arts Literacy: 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

Students in Child Develop Lab II plan and execute an Intergenerational Day with senior citizen members of the Marlboro Recreational Department. The goal of the project is to enhance intergenerational communication; it also provides "hands-on" experience for the students to practice career skills, interviewing techniques, organizational strategies and volunteer participation. In advance, the students plan the logistics of the morning: food preparation, interview questions; deciding on a craft to be taught or game to be played; additional ordering of supplies. On the day of the meeting, three other classes are moved to another location to provide for a "morning of fun" between teens and senior citizens. Students interview the senior citizens, provide food and play games with and teach crafts to their guests.

Interview sheets, craft supplies for bookmarkers, bingo boards, pound cake, coffee, tea, juice

Consumer, Family & Life Skills: Students receive valuable experience in career education as well as practice in employability skills. They also demonstrate critical thinking, self-management, interpersonal communication and teamwork. Lastly, this project correlates with character education because it develops respect for others, following through on responsibility and developing empathy for others.

Health & Physical Education: Students manifest integrated skills and advocacy.

Language Arts Literacy: Students develop writing skills in framing the interview questions and writing the reflection. They develop speaking and listening skills in questioning the senior citizens and listening to their responses

Hurdles Encountered:

Hurdles: Getting permission slips; moving classes for 3 periods

Solution: Getting administrative help in moving classes, etc.

Performance-based Education: Students are actively engaged in a hands-on activity that addresses a tangible goal.

Cooperative Learning: Students work together in planning the day and in implementing the activities.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Multiple disciplines are reinforced in fulfilling the demands of the day.

Empathy, caring and respect are the qualities students mention the most. Also, many referred to the impact of the question given to the seniors: What aspect of your life would you like to do over? Students correlated the answers with their own life.

Students experience a high sense of achievement and self esteem. They receive a great deal of personal satisfaction and surprised enjoyment in working with seniors.

Celebration: The Intergeneration Day is the celebration itself. Senior citizens are very grateful.

Key Findings: Students all agreed: "This is a fun way to learn!" Excitement and engagement were very high.

Marlboro Recreation Department, Seniors' Division

Written self-reflection on what the student learned from the project and how it had an impact on his (her) life. (See personal growth outcomes).