This year, the Montessori Center of Nyack’s half day morning class initiated an
interesting community project. Children aged 3-5, together with their teachers,
parents and care givers visited elderly residents of the Northern Manor
Multicare Center in Nanuet, NY. During the visit, children gave residents
cards they decorated, offered juice, cookies and cakes they baked at school
and sang some of their favorite songs.
Parents initiated and organized the project to raise children’s awareness and
consideration of others. They saw an opportunity for their children to be
exposed to a different age group and experience their contribution to others
in a safe and trusting environment. The school staff strongly supported the idea
and was available, in addition of providing transportation for the trip. |
 After the visit, teachers and children discussed what they learned and liked.
Here are some of the children’s comments:
"I liked giving the old people a card”
"I liked it when the bus went fast”
"Old people need a lot of help”
"I learned that you don’t have to join in”
"I learned that you can play with new people”
"Old people need seats that roll and they cant walk”
"I liked the bus, the fish and the people”
"I liked singing and eating”
"I liked giving the people the cards”
"I liked going on the school bus”
"When people get old they have white hair”
"I learned to make new friends”
"I helped give cookies and juice”
"I was nice to the grandma’s”
"I liked the fish and the people liked me”
"It’s nice to share”
"I really liked seeing the fish”
"I liked giving and sharing the cake”
"I liked the school bus”
"I liked to sing”
"I gave my card to a lady”
|
The project was introduced to children as a simple act of kindness where children
could meet a community outside their immediate family and friends. During the
school year, moreover, teachers supported children by noticing their acts of
kindness and built together a paper chain that recorded each kind action. Also,
the project was linked to this year’s topic - time, where children learned how
everything changes over time, including people.
As the project proved a successful learning experience for children, the
Montessori Center of Nyack is considering undertaking similar community
outreach projects on a yearly basis. |
