P.O. Box 1074 Mooloolaba Qld 4557 |
Looking Forward, Looking Back
9 May 08Young children learn about aging through experiences with those older and younger than they are. At this age, a young child will start to have a better understanding of the notion that a grandparent once was a child. If the child spends time with a younger sibling or playmate regularly, she will also have a sense of that child's growth.
It is important for young children to have opportunities to be followers, learning from those with more experience, and to lead as they learn about the needs of and appropriate ways to interact with younger children. Your intergenerational music making may include a spectrum of ages—the more the merrier and the more plentiful the benefits.
A song familiar to all can be a jumping off point to the sharing of a story. Encourage your child to ask grand-relatives questions about their childhood. If possible, record the conversation or jot notes to save for a scrapbook. Consider asking the older adult to share some of his favourite songs and activities from childhood and add these to your recording.
My Family Tree
Encourage your big kid to create a family tree. While these don't have to be long and detailed, they can trace the immediate family and the grandparents. It can also be made creative, actually drawing a tree with branches that reach to each family member.
Materials:
- paper
- scissors
- glue
- marker
- photos of the family members (OPTIONAL)
Fill in the tree (either with photos or with names) to build a family tree. The children (and their siblings) go on the top of the tree. The next row is mum and dad and the bottom row is the two sets of grandparents. Have the children interview each family member to fill in the details about them, such as where they were born, and if they have brothers and sisters. It will be a great way for your big kid to connect with their grandparents and learn things about them they may not have known!