May 4, 2010

Doodle Bugs! Team Tuesday: Issue #15

“Children and adults who play together discover a world beyond themselves, engendering respect for each individual’s knowledge, strengths and values.”

• Children and teachers at our Orchard Park center recently initiated a relationship with Quaker Landing, a memory care facility. Doodle students created some lovely spring decor for residents’ rooms, then residents visited our classrooms to observe and engage in children’s play.

• Children at our West Amherst center look forward to weekly visits from a guest reader, a Heritage Center client who quickly became a dear friend! With the support of  Residential Rehabilitation Specialists, Heritage Center focuses on community integration and adaptation, socialization and acquisition of daily living skills.
  

• As part of their long-term ‘Adopt a Grandparent’ program, children at our Cheektowaga center enjoy regular visits (including sing-a-longs, stories, snacks and lots of playtime!) with residents from Glenwell Assisted Living.
  

These special relationships are unique evidence of our mission to build a community of happy children, happy parents and happy teachers. Clearly it is true that  together, we show that we CARE.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of  intergenerational relationships and how play enhances those relationships, please read this terrific article: http://www.gu.org/documents/A0/PlayIsForever_FactSheet.pdf