AppleTree Learning Center

Welcome to Our Intergenerational Page

A positive connection is made through our Intergenerational Program with Shepherd of the Valley Care Center, a long-term care facility, and Maurice Griffith Manor, an assisted care facility. These are conveniently located on the same site as AppleTree Learning Center,  which allows many opportunities for interaction between the children and the elderly. Children learn to follow through with commitments, to follow society's rules, have a heart that values the uniqueness of each person regardless of abilities, and to actively participate in the groups of one's daily life. Cooperation and caring encourage the feeling of community.

Ours is a national model program with planned activities and experiences that increase cooperation and exchange between generations helping each other grow and enhancing relationships. Children learn to respect and appreciate older people, to understand the aging process, and to live without the fear created by seeing someone in a walker or wheelchair. It is an opportunity to learn about things in an historical context. They develop a more positive self-concept by learning that their smile brightens the life of another and their sense of community is enriched. They also learn about the continuum of life including loss and grieving. A close coordination of activities is required of personnel at both locations. Collaborations may include games, exercises, story times, Hug Patrol for the younger children, Show' n Tell, gross and fine motor activities.

Relationships are among the most important components in learning. According to noted researcher, Martin Hoffman, "Roots of morality are to be found in empathy." A spirit of the group becomes deeply imbedded in the children - the way they talk and act toward each other with a very special bond of respect. A sense of belonging to something larger than themselves is created, which will serve them through the rest of their lives. 

Home Next Top