Intergenerational Activities

Intergenerational Activities

Intergenerational activities are social vehicles that create purposeful and ongoing exchange of resources and learning among older and younger generations.

  • Identify interested students
  • Connect with community partner (senior homes, hospitals etc., elders, retired community members)
  • Pair 2 students per senior when going out to meet with them
  • Or.. match seniors with selected students based on purpose (reading, play based activities, part of special events)

-Ideas for topics:

  •     What school is like now
  •     Teaching one another a game
  •     Teach seniors technology
  •     Listen or play music
  •     Share experiences
  •     Seniors week
  •     Making cards, cooking
  •     Sing Christmas carols
  •     Take Christmas concert to long-term care
Incorporating Movement Into Classroom Routines

Incorporating Movement Into Classroom Routines

The rationale for this promising practice is to help keep students’ energy and brain activity high and healthy; to take mental breaks after periods of learning and to integrate movement into curriculum learning.

The process can take many forms. Here are some examples of how to integrate movement into classroom routines:

Gratitude Journals

Gratitude Journals

Implementing a daily practice of gratitude through  journaling to acknowledge positives in one’s own life. 

Positive Daily Focus Journal

  • 3 things I’m grateful  for…..
  • What is your inspiration for today?
  • What would make today great?
  • What am I excited for today? 
  • Daily affirmation/self talk?
  • How could  I have made  yesterday better?

A quick Google search will yield thousands of great ideas!

Mind-Up

Mind-Up

Mind-up is a 15 lesson program for pre-K- grade 8 students.  It is science-centric and evidence-based program that is grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, mindful awareness and social-emotional learning.  Gratitude, mindfulness and perspective taking are some of the topics covered. It is designed to drive positive behavior, improve learning and scholastic performance, increase empathy, optimism and compassion.  There is a cost to purchase the curriculum.