We are delighted to announce that from Monday 6th January 2025 Happy Days Nursery Droitwich will be visiting their local care home, Woodland View, weekly, for stay & play sessions with the residents.
They will be taking part in different activated such as singing, creative play, music & movement, and storytelling. These visits not only provide a boost for the residents, but studies have shown that children learn valuable social skills, and improves their communication, language, and literacy skills. You can read more about the benefits below:
Social Benefits for the Children
Children have often not spent a lot of time interacting with the older generation outside of their home and new experiences like this are a great way for children to practice the social skills they’ve picked up.
Communication and Language Benefits
Many children find it difficult to talk about personal and emotive feelings. The elderly can provide that space for the younger generation which allows them to open up without the worry of being judged or misunderstood.
Understanding of the World
One of the best benefits for children is that they can learn about ageing and develop an understanding and respect towards elderly people.
Increased empathy
Many of the older generations have mobility issues and children quickly realise that their new friends are a little different to the adults they are used to. Children learn to take care of the elderly and start to understand that people have different physical abilities.
Entertainment for Residents
The elderly are entertained by hearing children’s stories and singing along to nursery rhymes that they may have sung when they were younger. Not only that, but it’s precious to watch the children’s excitement when they get to sing or tell stories.
Taking part in activities
It’s an opportunity for Children to play games and sing songs with the residents who often long for company.
After developing all of the above points, children are left with an increase in self-confidence because of the positive interactions they gain with the elderly by feeling valued and important. Both have so much they can share and learn from one another.
Source – The benefits of children visiting a care home – Connect Childcare