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Many park districts and senior centers have recently initiated intergenerational programs. The Wheaton Park District Senior Center is no different. They began an intergenerational program in 1992. However, they have one very distinct advantage — their Senior Center is located directly across the street from one of Wheaton's grade schools.

In 1992 a wonderfully involved PTA parent came to the Senior Center and introduced herself to the Retired Citizen Supervisor. She shared her ideas about intergenerational programming. It was exactly what the Retired Citizen Supervisor was hoping for. A wonderful working relationship began.

The first year started with the children "Trick-or-Treating" at the Senior Center and the Seniors singing Christmas Carols at the school during the holidays. It has now escalated to include seniors working directly in the classroom, tutoring, combined field trips and much, much more!

Listed below are some of the ideas and information regarding the Wheaton Park District's program. The most important part of the intergenerational program is that the school and the senior center have found a balance. They work together to provide for the needs of the students and the seniors.

Q. What does intergenerational program mean?

A. An intergenerational program refers to a set of planned activities and experiences that are designed to bring generations together for their mutual benefit. The activities should be ongoing and systematic, conducted at regular intervals, and serve to benefit all program participants.

Q. What does an intergenerational program mean to you?

A. Since Longfellow is so conveniently located next door to the Senior Center building, an intergenerational program becomes an enrichment and a natural addition to the Senior Center's programs. A successful exchange would:

    • provide friendship to a child who is in need of individual attention
    • assist slow learners to catch up on their math and reading skills
    • enrich students with hands-on history lessons
    • provide an outlet for a person who likes being with children, or who has grandchildren who live far away
    • give some education and control over where tax dollars are going
    • give children an appreciation for older people and the aging process
    • enhance the future of our community!

Illinois Parks & Recreation • November/December 1994

HOW SENIORS CAN HELP

One on One Reading — Seniors read to a child and/or the child reads to the senior.

One on One Tutoring — Seniors work with a child on areas they are having trouble with such as math facts, spelling words, handwriting, or compositional writing.

Small Group Reading — Seniors read aloud to a group of children.

Whole Group Reading — Seniors read aloud to a classroom of children.

Classroom Helpers — Seniors are an extra pair of hands, eyes, and ears for the teacher. Seniors attend class plays as an audience, help with class parties, be a pen pal, or simply come in every once in a while to share friendship with the children.

Lunchtime "Friends" — Seniors spend time during lunch to read to children, play board games, or teach and play card games.

Classroom Discussions — Seniors visit and share their knowledge of a particular subject, hobby, or interest.

* There is no predetermined time requirement. Seniors may spend one hour a year or one hour a day. Here are some other programs in which they can assist: Annual Book Fair, Fun Day, Art Volunteers, Patriot's Press, Hands on Science, Health and Safety.

Theresa A. Forthofer is the Senior Citizen Supervisor for the Wheaton Park District. •

Illinois Parks & Recreation * November/December 1994 * 9