Guest Post: Intergenerational Play

I'm just so excited to share with you the valuable insight of Nursery Owner and Lecturer Laura Sanders on the success of building Intergenerational Play in her setting. 

One of my most fond memories of visiting my Great Aunties were their immaculately placed silver mirrors and brushes on a dressing table, with their pearl necklaces hidden away – too special for sight.  The concept of an outdoor toilet was mind-blowing, as was the fact the Robinson family – a family of 12 children had all grown up in the four walls of a three bedroomed terraced house for over 127 years.  Being a little girl, in sandals and a dress that twirled in the wind in their cobbled garden –with no grass, leaves a memory, a feeling. It forms part of my pedagogy.

I struggle to remember conversations or play. I remember being too scared to speak. Being around a generation that was almost 90 years older had no significance at that point.  The words “let’s go and visit the aunties” usually sparked a groan or moan. It was a negative. I wish I could go back and challenge that, however perhaps this is where my pedagogy and passion has been formed.

My own children have an incredibly close relationship with their grandparents – but grandparents are under 60 years young. Still young to run around, play train and ride bikes. It is my husband’s Gran and Grandma that form the generational gap for my children. My children at a young age would remember where the Lego box is kept and the car is still hidden under the table where it was placed. Things do not change, it seems as though time has stood still in-between our visits.

In July 2017 the Channel 4 Documentary aired – Old People’s home for 4 year olds. It tackled the perception of mixing generations together and how it could raise the outcomes for children’s emotional wellbeing and the numerous benefits for the older generation were tested.  The documentary was watched by my staff team, in an effort to encourage and foster the basis of our own project. Intergenerational play is play with gaps in generations. It has always been seen to be a “special” thing to go and sing to the older generation at Christmas – but what about all year?

We choose Gretton Court, a residential home with assisted living. It has a homely feel. I took a manager to view with me, at the door she said, “I hate the smell of old people’s homes” – I couldn’t really relate, but, it did worry me slightly. There was instantly relief, there was no smell.  The setting is homely. It feels a nice place to be. Comfy chairs, lovely thick pile carpet. It has a lovely atmosphere.

The children have embraced the visits. There have been children that present reluctance, however they are always reassured with play. Sessions are enjoyable and meet the holistic needs of children and residents. We offer a strong focus of physical play, supporting physical and emotional wellbeing. Communication is key - learning to respect, care and understand a different generation both verbally and non-verbally. Resilience and tolerance – knowing the purpose of walkers and frames, the visits showcase British values in action.

The visits encompass the characteristics of effective learning and the Early Years foundation stage in multiple areas. As a society we always feel we need to “plan” to have fun.

Fun is made by the children. Provocations are given, time is shared, and journeys are made.

We are giving children a unique experience that is priceless. The ability to learn from others. To encounter sessions that are unable to be taught. Children are excited to share an object with residents, as if it has never existed before.

Our journey is now in its second year, over 50 children have encountered our visits from age 2. My son is my main case study, “can we go to Gretton court today mummy”, and his wish is my command.  It is not just a weekly visit, it’s a journey forming part of their pedagogy, creating the futures of the next generation.