Unlikely Bonds: A Friendship Between the Young and the Elderly
A "grandma" participating in exercise with a student.
By: Emma Travers
When someone says the words preschool and nursing home, in your head you probably think of two different establishments. What if I told you that there's a place in Jenks where they coexist? Grace Living Center, located a short two minute drive from the high school, houses Jenks’ multigenerational program. Everyday a class of pre-k and kindergarten students participate in their normal school work, but there are also spaces in their day cut out where they hang out with the residents of the home, who they call “grands.”
Three students participating in exercise while a "grandma" watches.
Four students enjoying the swing while outside at recess.
Students watch the board as they enjoy their snack and learn their lesson of the day.
A student focusing on his drawing of a non-living object, as the lesson of the day was the difference between living and non-living objects.
While at centers, a student relaxes by reading a book.
A student gazes intently at his numbers while he approves a purchase of one of his customers during the dramatic play center.
Students walk to the residents cafeteria where they meet the "grands" for book buddies.
Students gaze upon the shelf of books as they each choose one to read with the "grands".
The school liaison reads a book while the students and "grands" sit around and listen.
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