SALISBURY — Intergenerational learning is a unique approach that offers a multiple benefits for preschoolers by providing a solid foundation for their cognitive, social and emotional development.

Partners In Learning and Trinity Living Center began a collaboration in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to continue to have community connection outside of the classroom during a time when children were being so isolated. 

The opportunity to interact with older adults, such as grandparents or elderly community members, offers preschoolers a rich and diverse language experience. From storytelling to shared activities, children are exposed to a wider vocabulary, varied speech patterns and storytelling traditions, all of which are crucial for their language development and literacy skills. 

“We are so thankful to partner with Trinity Living Center to promote this intergenerational learning opportunity,” a press release from Partners In Learning said. “Trinity Living Center’s residents and students with Partners In Learning have enjoyed this relationship-building experience and have learned so much.”

Megan McIntyre is the lead teacher for Partners In Learning’s NC PreK program, which started the collaboration.

“My favorite part about our relationship with Trinity Living Center is watching all the smiles from both the children’s and the participants’ faces,” McIntyre said. “Everyone lights up when we are together.” 

Since the pandemic, they have continued to Zoom every week and coordinate in-person meetings once a month. Over Zoom, they have dance parties, do crafts, have questions and answers, and sing songs together. In person, they have completed art projects, indoor balloon volleyball, a visit from Santa, a visit from a service dog and enjoy lunch together. 

Intergenerational interactions promote the development of social skills in preschoolers by providing opportunities for meaningful relationships with individuals from different age groups. Through shared activities such as playing games, gardening or crafting, children learn essential social skills such as cooperation, communication and empathy, laying the groundwork for positive social interactions. Engaging in activities with older adults also stimulates preschoolers’ cognitive development by introducing them to new ideas, concepts and problem-solving strategies. Whether it’s working on puzzles, exploring nature, or engaging in imaginative play, children benefit from the guidance and encouragement of older mentors, who foster curiosity and creativity. 

While there are many learning aspects that the older generation helps to support for preschoolers, preschoolers are also able to help the older generation with learning new skills, such as the use of technology. Utilizing the Zoom platform has helped the older generation connect to technology, navigating the complexities of the digital world. Engaging in intergenerational activities has positively affected cognitive function for individuals of all ages. For older adults, participating in activities that involve teaching or mentoring stimulates cognitive processes such as memory, problem-solving and communication, which can help maintain mental health and delay age-related decline. 

Trinity Living Center Life Enrichment Director Andrea Moore, added, “We are so thankful for our relationship with Partners in Learning. Our time together has benefited our seniors by giving them much needed community connections. Being with the young children has given them new energy and purpose, and through our zoom visits our seniors have gained technology exposure. The program is so beneficial for all involved.”

Trinity Living Center is a community-based adult day service designed to meet the needs of dependent elderly and functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults. Opportunities for socialization and access to healthcare are provided in a safe environment. It is the mission of Trinity Living Center to provide a comprehensive program of health, social and related support services to program participants and their caregivers/families. 

Embracing intergenerational learning is valuable and essential for building a future where people of all ages can learn from one another, thrive together and create a legacy of shared wisdom and understanding.

Partners In Learning Executive Director Norma Honeycutt expanded on that belief. 

“There is a saying that pictures speak a thousand words,” Honeycutt said. “That is especially true in this case. You can see the joy in the faces of the children and seniors in every picture. All of the activities bring out their inner child. The children gain hands-on experience of engaging with people from different backgrounds, generations and abilities. It’s a win, win for all involved.”