Seniors and kids link at McAuley

"We've got North and South America in our hands. We've got Europe, Asia, Africa in our hands. We've got Australia and Antarctica in our hands. We've got the whole globe in our hands!"

Once a month, the sweet voices of kindergartners, singing songs like that one, fill the dining room of McAuley Residence, a senior retirement center in Albany.

If one listens carefully, the soft sound of elderly voices can be heard chiming in.

Generations

"The children have been coming since the beginning of the school year," explained Sister Rita Carr, RSM, activities director of the nursing home, which is connected to the motherhouse of the Sisters of Mercy.

The home has an agreement with nearby Maria College for children to visit. The youngsters are brought over by their teacher, Ann Jednak.

For the past four years, she has collaborated with Sister Rita to incorporate learning experiences for both the kindergartners and the seniors into her curriculum.

Place in world

At the beginning of a recent visit, Ms. Jednak explained to the seniors that the kindergartners learn various skills, such as "where we live, some current events and important knowledge that will help us in school next year."

They also learned to "sign" that information for the deaf, thanks to one of the student's parents, who teaches signing.

Along with their music teacher, Beth Wasserzug, Ms. Jednak formulated a program where the children learned to "sign" their names and addresses through repetitive song and dance.

Sing-along

As the children stood in front of the residents during their recent stop-over, they performed to recorded music and to Ms. Wasserzug's guitar accompaniment.

Some residents in wheelchairs lifted their arms high and clapped their hands as the children sang, "YMCA." One elderly woman who couldn't lift her arms tapped her cane in rhythm. During "The Chicken Dance," the residents mimicked chickens flapping their wings.

By the time the children got to performing, "On Top of Spaghetti," the residents were all laughing and singing along.

Where in the world?

As the hour drew to a close, the children sat on the floor while Ms. Jednak displayed a map of the U.S.

"In preparation for graduation, we have just learned to recite all 50 states," the teacher told the audience. "We will recite them first and then ask that you join us. Don't worry; the children will help you."

Afterwards, as the children mingled with the residents, hugs and kisses were exchanged to the accompaniment of Louis Armstrong's "It's a Wonderful World."

Great reviews

"I think these children are fantastic," said Sister Lois Carr, RSM, one of the residents. "In them, I see innocence, creative education, simplicity and joy. They give us so much joy!"

"I think it's wonderful that they have been taught so much knowledge at such an early age," noted Sister Helen Klee, RSM, a retired Maria College science teacher.

"The best part of all this is the interaction between the residents and the children," commented Sister Rita. "Our residents come away from each and every meeting with smiles on their faces and a happy outlook."

(The 20-student kindergarten sponsored by Maria College is part of a "lab school" where students in the college's early childhood program gain practical experience by working with children in a classroom setting.)

(5/13/04) [[In-content Ad]]