Preschool Grandbuddies Program
Our Preschool Grandbuddies program is a program that brings together our Preschool children and local elderly residents in a warm, caring environment. Centred on intergenerational connection, this program sees our Preschool visiting Whiddon aged care facility each month, sharing stories, laughter, and learning. It’s more than just a visit. It’s about nurturing relationships, kindness, empathy, fostering understanding, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
On the last Wednesday of each month, we pay a special visit to Whiddon aged care facility. These visits are eagerly anticipated by both the children and the residents. Activities range from singing songs and reading books to art experiences, magic shows, storytelling, dance, playing games and working on puzzles. Each visit is designed to be inclusive, fun, and meaningful, allowing connection in ways that are natural and heartfelt. The atmosphere is always filled with smiles, gentle conversations, and a sense of belonging.
For Preschoolers, the Grandbuddies program offers invaluable social and emotional growth. Through regular interactions with older adults, children learn to listen, communicate, and show empathy. They discover the joy of forming friendships with people outside their immediate family. These experiences help children develop confidence, patience, and respect for others. Exposure to stories and wisdom from residents enriches their learning and broadens their perspectives, sparking curiosity about the world and its history.
Residents at Whiddon look forward to the arrival of their Preschool friends and educators. The program brings companionship, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose into their days. Sharing memories, engaging in activities, and simply enjoying the company of children lifts spirits and combats feelings of loneliness. Many residents find a new sense of pride in mentoring and nurturing the younger generation. The laughter and energy that children bring provide a welcome change, making the facility feel more like home. Several residents were teachers in their working lives and regularly mesmerise the children with stories and finger rhymes that are nostalgic and decades old.
Educators play a key role in facilitating these intergenerational connections. The program offers professional enrichment and the chance to develop new skills. Educators witness firsthand the impact of positive relationships and foster empathy and respect among the children.
The preschool Grandbuddies program is an example of how bringing generations together can enrich lives and strengthen communities. Through monthly visits to Whiddon aged care facility, children, residents, educators, and the broader community all benefit in meaningful ways. By supporting and celebrating intergenerational activities, we create opportunities for shared learning, understanding, and kindness from our youngest citizens, to our oldest.
