DolleyM 0 Report Share Posted July 18, 2004 :-D Hi! I'm a newly hired Activity Director at an Assisted Living facility and am really going to enjoy exploring this site and learning some new activities -- when I'm more experienced, I'll be glad to share some of my ideas. I'm a retired teacher, so I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. I always had some fun in class, but when the fun was over, I could always give them some homework, so . . .I guess I'll have to get over that! :-D Anyway -- GREAT site -- whoever "thunk this up". 8-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana 0 Report Share Posted July 21, 2004 HI Dolley, so you are a retired school teacher? How do I go about recruiting schools and students to come and visit/adopt a nursing home? Who do I call? What sort of plans do teachers expect you to have for them when you call requesting them? We are close to down town and do have several schools around, but don't know who to call! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy 0 Report Share Posted July 21, 2004 We have 2 school programs that we are invovled in. Our one program is an adopt a grandparent. The kids come once a month, and visit as a group with their "adopted grandparent". During that time, they learn about the reisdent, play games, or do any kind of activity. Sometimes the teacher will have a project for the kids, and they do that with their grandparent. At the end of the year there is a big party with the kids. They do a talent show for the residents. The residents really enjoy it The other is a group of older kids come and visit our Alzheimer's floor, once a week. Usuall about 5 boys come and talk with them for about a half hour. Both of these programs started with talking with the school, and finding a teacher that was interested in bringing their students over. You can also call the girl scout/boy scout troops, and they are willing to make some comittment. We started a pen pal program with one troop last year. I would start with making goals, and then calling local schools. Usually if you talk with the principle, they will set something up. Stacy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DolleyM 0 Author Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 8-) Hi! Calling the schools and getting in contact with the right person is usually the trick. Sometimes -- most of the times, really -- principals just mean to tell somebody, but . . .usually the phone number gets lost on the desk. I'd see if I could find a student or students who attend the school and ask them who the "coolest" teacher is -- the one always going places or doing things. The drama teacher, the English teacher (jack of all trades), club sponsors like FFA and whatever FHA is called now -- FCS or something like that for Family Consumer Science -- it's not called Home Ec now, but I forget the newest title. The business club sponsors -- all those clubs have to have service projects; of course, you don't want to just get a group of kids because they HAVE to do a project, but I have found that kids do really well, when they want to. Watch the local paper. Sometimes, teachers who take their kids places get in the paper, and you can get their names that way. But, for sure, I'd call the drama teacher. (As you can probably tell, I was the "drama" teacher and the "English" teacher.) I haven't contacted the scouts yet, but I will. I'm looking for one of these groups to put in a garden for my folks. These are people who grew up and raised a family on what they tended in the garden, and I think they'd enjoy one, if I can find someone to do the labor. Let's keep brainstorming!!!! :-P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gayle 0 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 Dolley, Do you have a vocational school near by that has a horticulure class? They may make your garden a class project at little or no cost to your facility! Or a local garden or rose club may be willing to provide some "cheap" labor and cuttings. Maybe a carpentary class or wordworking class would build you raised carts or gardens for wheelchairs to roll up to to do your own gardening. The student nail stylists' also need hands (and feet) to practice on, I've had a group come in and do manicures for free or for a snack with the residents. Invite a local high school debate team to debate a couple of your alert residents for a week-end activity, keeps everyone sharp! Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diana 0 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 Wow guys! I just thought it was neat all your ideas, and all DolleyM was doing was saying hi! Thank you! I'll use your ideas wisely and hopefully get a full crowd of kids this fall! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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