Date: Fri 31-Oct-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: MICHEL

Quick Words:

schools-ashlar-fourth-grade

Full Text:

Fourth Graders Reach Across The Years

(with photos)

BY MICHELE HOGAN

Ashlar residents and fourth graders from Sandy Hook School recently came

together for Ashlar's new Life Long Learning Program. Students at Middle Gate

School will be involved in the same program starting on Thursday, October 30.

The program spans the school year, and aims to foster friendships and the

sharing of experiences between the generations.

Many Sandy Hook students did not know what to expect from people 70 or 80

years their senior, having had little opportunity to get to know elders.

Gary Hexom, principal of Middle Gate School, believes that this program will

have a profound impact on all participants. He said, "It gives children a

greater sense of empathy regarding the challenges confronting the elderly,

while the elderly benefit from experiencing the positive, giving nature of the

children."

Nancy Handler, fourth grade teacher at Sandy Hook School, explained that in

today's mobile society many young people live far from their grandparents, and

have lost touch with older generations.

Shannon Kennedy, in fourth grade at Sandy Hook School, wrote that before

meeting the residents, "I was a little nervous, but then when I saw the big

smile on the residents' faces, I knew there was no reason for it."

The residents, on the other hand, seemed quite at home mingling with the

younger set, having played and talked with children aged eight to 12 in the

Summer Friends Camp Program at Ashlar, and other intergenerational programs.

They quickly engaged the students in conversations about birthdays, favorite

foods, and how to find a great spot to draw pictures.

Ethel Hofstetter reassured a group of eight- and nine-year-olds in Berenice

Toomey's class that they are not too old to use crayons. She said that she

still likes to take a box of crayons to her favorite spots around Ashlar.

Relating easily to the young people, she commented that "sometimes I pick the

wrong color, but sometimes it's beautiful!"

The students in Mrs Handler's class busily drew pictures of their favorite

things and gave them to the residents to take home with them. But first

students and residents shared a feast of apple pies, cakes and breads,

prepared by some of the many parent volunteers.

Next month, the children from both schools will visit Ashlar (on different

days). Residents and students will study and discuss many topics on the fourth

grade curriculum, from Australia to the Internet. Students will also learn

about history first-hand from the residents, and use this information as a

source for history books that they will be making together.

This program also fits part of the fourth grade health curriculum as a real

life experience in "getting along with people who are different."

"This exchange program is good for the residents and good for our kids too,"

said Mrs Handler.