Nursing homes

[tamara]

Our school has "adopted" penpals from a nursing homes. I want to preapare my class of four year olds for the visit- does anyone know of any books about nursing homes or elderly. Also the nursing home activity director would like for us to do an activity- could be a game or craft with some of the more active residents. Any ideas????

Tamara

[mopar]

Bingo might be a fun activity. The students could pull the numbers and then have to say them. Would be good practice for your students.

Good books: Let's talk about when someone you love is in a nursing home or My Grandma's in a nursing home.

[Chef Dave]

Here's a start: "My Abuela Can Fly" by Sarah Hudelson, Sarah and Pat Rigg is a TESOL journal article that lists 25 children's books that focus on elders teaching children, relationships between children and older adults, and children as helpers of older people.

ERIC:http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=EJ499412&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=EJ499412

If you can find a copy of this article, you'll have a nice listing of resources. Sadly, I have been unable to find this article.

On the brighter side - if you google search the author's names, you'll find that one of them is a professor at Eastern Arizona university. If you send her an e-mail, perhaps she will be able to advise you further?

[tamara]

Thanks Dave- I did search eric and found an article- allowing young children to visit a nursing home is a way for children to see different a generation, as well as disabilities and a way to be part of their community. The more that the children visit the better.

[teach1027]

The students could do a sing-along or the chicken dance for them. MAybe even the Hokey-Pokey

[3rdgradeteach]

I worked in the nursing home industry for over 10 years so I can definately help in this area. To be quite honest if it is a "nursing home" and not an "Assisted Living" it will be difficult to get responses. Now if you want to show up and do an activity AWESOME! They love children like you would not believe! They don't even have to do ANYTHING....just walk around and give out cards or little inexpensive gifts for an occasion and maybe sing some patriotic songs (always a big hit!)

[3rdgradeteach]

Oh.....we went for Halloween and made popcorn "hands" and painted the fingernails red....very funny....and actually passed out candy to all the residents that showed up in the designated area....and then when they had their candy the kids went through to "trick or treat" from them.....some ate the candy we gave them.....some let the kids have it...kind of funny....Fun was had by all

[3rdgradeteach]

One thing you do need to take into consideration is the "diabetics" they will want candy bad! So....my suggestion would be to get a sugar free candy so that they are not discriminated against. You would not believe the things I've seen.....really not fair....
Also...Look into the Assisted Living Facilities. They are way more active and more coherant. You will enjoy it alot more.

[3rdgradeteach]

I used to go to a "nursing home" every Tuesday night with some folks from my church. We would sing and I would play the piano for them. Most enjoyed it, but some would yell out profanities and things....(not their fault of course but nonetheless) It happens haha.....I don't want to get old! lol
But they have so little happening at these places that I am positive without a doubt that whatever you could plan with the kids would be a hit! Go for it! And God Bless you for doing it!

[tamara]

Thanks for all the replies- my understanding is that the coherant residents will be in the dining area- they will participate in the "hands on" activities. However, we sing, pass out cards, and treats on other occassions. As a matter of fact, we are going today to sing Christmas songs!!

[Boxcar]

Good luck today! Let us know how it went.

One thing I want to contribute is this: be prepared to answer the children's questions in a frank and appropriate manner. Young children can be very direct in what they want to know. Don't just shrug it off or change the subject. Answer then or as soon as possible. Yes, people get old, they get sick, and they die. If a child says something like "My grandma died last year. She was in a nursing home, and she was sick.", acknowledge that everyone does die at some point, even the people we love. Then, discuss this comment in more depth at a more appropriate time. I'd also discuss what the children see and hear at the home afterwards, even if nobody does have any comments right away. Talk about different feelings because some children are uncomfortable bringing up their anxieties if they think they are the only ones feeling that way.

I'm sure you already know all this, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

By the way, I think it is great what you are doing,

[tamara]

Our trip to the nursing home went better than I expected-of course some children were scared but some gave hugs but it was an unfamiliar enviroment for the children. We teach an empathy curriculum called Second Step this was a perfect time for us to discuss feelings so asked each child "How did you feel when you were at the nursing home?"- some said scared, sad, happy and some said both happy and sad- we wrote their responses on chart paper. We hope to visit each month.

[mopar]

That is definitely a great experience for the students. As you go more often, the students will hopefully feel less scared. Also keep in mind that some students may bond to a resident that passes away over the year. Another conversation to be ready to have with the students if the event arises.

[tamara]

Thanks- We plan to visit in January- but Fed 1st is when we are scheduled to "do" an activity with the residents. Any ideas we are wanting fine motor/hands on kinda thing- this will be good for the children and residents. The activity director said that they would buy the materials.

[mopar]

Anything Valentine's Day would be good since it is so close. Have the students help the seniors make Valentine's Day cards. Heart shaped doyle's work great for these cards. Painting or writing on the cards would also help with fine motor.
You could also try some kind of Valentine's Day treat if you have a kitchen to use.