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Adopt-a-Grandparent programme for preschools and child care - just launched
I have a great idea and I'm wondering if anyone else would be interested.
A little background info:
My family is dispersed around the world and my little 2.5 year old, Ariella,
doesn't have any grandparents in the country and we've really felt the
absence of them. In addition, because Ariella has never been around elders,
she is actually scared of them! Isn't that crazy!
The idea:
I had the idea to introduce Adopt-a-grandparent programmes into preschools
and daycare where they invite senior volunteers to come to the Kindy and
spend time with the children: reading to them, doing creative activities and
even telling their story about when they were a kid - something I think the
children would love to hear about.
Seniors can volunteer once a month, once a fortnight, or even more
frequently - it is totally up to them.
The benefits:
The young children would certainly benefit from learning from and
communicating with mature and experienced senior role models. In addition,
the grandparent volunteers would benefit from being in a nurturing
environment, with a sense of added purpose and perhaps feel less isolated
from their community. Not to mention how much fun they'd have!
Who could volunteer:
The first port of call would be for the kindy to write a letter to the
parents telling them about the programme and asking if any of the children's
grandparents would be interested... (I have a sample letter you could use).
I've seen grandparents who drop their grandchildren at school... they never
want to leave! so I'm sure many would love to volunteer!
Secondly, senior communities in the area/suburb of the community could be
approached and invited to particpate: ideas could be RSLs, retirement
villages, libraries, bridge clubs, etc.
What about security:
DOCs has a special form that the volunteer fills out for security reasons.
There is no risk as the volunteers are always under supervision of the
staff.
]Now what?
My dream is that all Kindys in Australia adopt this programme and I'd be
willing to give you any assistance you need to make it happen. I approached
the kindy Ariella attends (Cherubs in Rose Bay, NSW) and they LOVE the idea
and are starting it in January. I'm looking for any other people who share
the same dream and are willing to approach their kindy about it.
Is there anyone out there who'd be interested in approaching their kindys,
preschools, daycares about the programme?
Looking forward to hearing from you: chyams(at)aquent.com
A little background info:
My family is dispersed around the world and my little 2.5 year old, Ariella,
doesn't have any grandparents in the country and we've really felt the
absence of them. In addition, because Ariella has never been around elders,
she is actually scared of them! Isn't that crazy!
The idea:
I had the idea to introduce Adopt-a-grandparent programmes into preschools
and daycare where they invite senior volunteers to come to the Kindy and
spend time with the children: reading to them, doing creative activities and
even telling their story about when they were a kid - something I think the
children would love to hear about.
Seniors can volunteer once a month, once a fortnight, or even more
frequently - it is totally up to them.
The benefits:
The young children would certainly benefit from learning from and
communicating with mature and experienced senior role models. In addition,
the grandparent volunteers would benefit from being in a nurturing
environment, with a sense of added purpose and perhaps feel less isolated
from their community. Not to mention how much fun they'd have!
Who could volunteer:
The first port of call would be for the kindy to write a letter to the
parents telling them about the programme and asking if any of the children's
grandparents would be interested... (I have a sample letter you could use).
I've seen grandparents who drop their grandchildren at school... they never
want to leave! so I'm sure many would love to volunteer!
Secondly, senior communities in the area/suburb of the community could be
approached and invited to particpate: ideas could be RSLs, retirement
villages, libraries, bridge clubs, etc.
What about security:
DOCs has a special form that the volunteer fills out for security reasons.
There is no risk as the volunteers are always under supervision of the
staff.
]Now what?
My dream is that all Kindys in Australia adopt this programme and I'd be
willing to give you any assistance you need to make it happen. I approached
the kindy Ariella attends (Cherubs in Rose Bay, NSW) and they LOVE the idea
and are starting it in January. I'm looking for any other people who share
the same dream and are willing to approach their kindy about it.
Is there anyone out there who'd be interested in approaching their kindys,
preschools, daycares about the programme?
Looking forward to hearing from you: chyams(at)aquent.com
Views: 216
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rachel Sarah Mahon on -
Hi there
I looked into this a while ago as my kids are sadly very short on older people in their lives, and there is a very similar programme already in existence, albeit for primary schools. I am sure they would love to hear from you Carolyn - I called them close to Christmas and they did ring me back, I just hadn't managed to follow it up yet, but I am sure they would love to talk to you. maybe they could assist you to roll it out to kindy's?
This excerpt is taken from a community forum website - similar discussion from 2008 - to give you an idea of what it's about:
"COTA (NSW) (Council on the Ageing) has developed a fabulous program called Grandfriends. The concept
was first developed by a woman called Iris Wallace who was struck by the fact that she was a novelty in the playground when she picked up her grandchildren from school. Grandfriends brings volunteer senior citizens into primary school classrooms once a week to do a whole range of activities with the children. The program started in one school in Western Sydney and with funding from the Sydney Community Foundation has been
rolled out to 40 primary schools in the Campbelltown area (stats from 2008). I'm sure if you contacted COTA NSW the project officer managing Grandfriends would be able to assist you. All the best with it."
Hope this helps - good luck!
Cheers
Rachel
-
Permalink Reply by Carolyn Hyams on -
Thanks for the suggestion Rachel. I am actually aware of the "Grandfriends" programme, but I never thought to ask them for help in rolling it out to Kindys. Great idea.
Regards
Carolyn
Rachel Sarah Mahon said:Hi there
I looked into this a while ago as my kids are sadly very short on older people in their lives, and there is a very similar programme already in existence, albeit for primary schools. I am sure they would love to hear from you Carolyn - I called them close to Christmas and they did ring me back, I just hadn't managed to follow it up yet, but I am sure they would love to talk to you. maybe they could assist you to roll it out to kindy's?
This excerpt is taken from a community forum website - similar discussion from 2008 - to give you an idea of what it's about:
"COTA (NSW) (Council on the Ageing) has developed a fabulous program called Grandfriends. The concept
was first developed by a woman called Iris Wallace who was struck by the fact that she was a novelty in the playground when she picked up her grandchildren from school. Grandfriends brings volunteer senior citizens into primary school classrooms once a week to do a whole range of activities with the children. The program started in one school in Western Sydney and with funding from the Sydney Community Foundation has been
rolled out to 40 primary schools in the Campbelltown area (stats from 2008). I'm sure if you contacted COTA NSW the project officer managing Grandfriends would be able to assist you. All the best with it."
Hope this helps - good luck!
Cheers
Rachel
-
Permalink Reply by Flower on -
I just wanted to say, this is a beautiful idea. I didn't have any grandparents growing up. I loved meeting other peoples grandparents, as they have so many wonderful stories to tell. I think many grandparents would feel extra special with your "adopt a grandparent" idea!
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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Hyams on
-
Thank you for your encouragement :)
Flower said:I just wanted to say, this is a beautiful idea. I didn't have any grandparents growing up. I loved meeting other peoples grandparents, as they have so many wonderful stories to tell. I think many grandparents would feel extra special with your "adopt a grandparent" idea!
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Permalink Reply by jenny turnbull on
-
Hi GREAT IDEA!!!!! I have signed up an elderly couple to my daycare after seeing your idea. 3 of my famies out of 4 families are the same with no family here the county or state. The parents were all greatful to the idea and the kids love " Nana and Poppy!" They are the natural grandparents to my two adopted girls and it has been a hit with all!
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Permalink Reply by Carolyn Hyams on
-
Wow, that is absolutely fantastic news Jenny. I'm thrilled I've inspired someone. Have you checked out the resources section of the http://www.adoptagrandparent.com.au website? There are activities that you can download that are great for the elderly to do with small groups of children.
May I ask a favour? May I list your childcare on our website as one that uses the Adopt a Grandparent programme? It will help encourage others to do it too.
Send me your details to carolyn@adoptagrandparent.com.au
Regards
Carolyn
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Permalink Reply by jenny turnbull on
-
Hi Carolyn, not a problem, I run 'Love 'n' Laughter' family day care , my info is on the care for kids site in Robina qld. All the best, Jenny
Carolyn Hyams said:Wow, that is absolutely fantastic news Jenny. I'm thrilled I've inspired someone. Have you checked out the resources section of the http://www.adoptagrandparent.com.au website? There are activities that you can download that are great for the elderly to do with small groups of children.
May I ask a favour? May I list your childcare on our website as one that uses the Adopt a Grandparent programme? It will help encourage others to do it too.
Send me your details to carolyn@adoptagrandparent.com.au
Regards
Carolyn
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