Humboldt

Group Info

Humboldt

St. Joseph, Missouri

Jun 26, 2008

Natalie Griffey

elderly

The 6^thgrade summer school class at Humboldt Elementary School wanted a way to interact with members of the community, as well as learn about the community. The group decided to make two trips to the nursing home residents at Saxton Woods in St. Joseph.

Before the group actually went to visit the residents, they prepared interview questions to ask their “buddies” at the nursing home. An important part of this project was for the students to learn more about the community’s history, and how the elderly viewed certain issues that currently face St. Joseph.

When the group of students made their first trip to Saxton, each student was paired up with two residents, and the questions the students had prepared were asked. The students then played games with the residents; refreshments were also served during that time.

After the first trip, the students decided to not only make a scrapbook with pictures that were taken during their visit, but the students felt that it would be beneficial to bring new games to play for their next visit.

During the second visit, the students presented the residents with the new games that were purchased. They were able to spend more time and visit with their “buddies” as well as play the new games.

Although the summer school class lasted for only a short time, Natalie Griffey, the summer school teacher, hopes that “the students will continue their relationships with the residents at the nursing home through visits and letters.” The 16 students that participated in the project were able to meet with 32 Saxton residents during the two visits. After the visits, the students decorated picture frames to give to the residents, which had a picture of the student and their “buddy.”

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