Planning Your Intergenerational Project

Conducting a successful intergenerational program requires thought and planning. "Getting kids and senior citizens together" is not a sufficient reason to conduct an intergenerational project. Develop a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. The activities and interaction between the participants should be planned to address specific learning objectives. Begin planning your project by reviewing your curriculum with an eye towards what areas could be enhanced by students' participation in an intergenerational program.

Attention to group composition and logistics is an important component of the planning process. The following are some suggestions for planning an intergenerational program of your own:

General planning:

• Establish measurable goals and objectives for the project. (i.e., Increase student interaction with older people and expand written/social skills.)
• Explore what kinds of activities could be included.
• Plan a specific activity or theme for each meeting.
• Include both structured activities and free time for students to participate in individual activities with their Grandbuddies in your plans.
• How long will the project run?
• How much time should be allocated for each meeting? How many meetings will be held?
• Will refreshments be served at meetings? Are parents available and willing to provide refreshments?
• Develop and present a recruitment/orientation session for the older adult participants.
• Identify a program coordinator or contact person to lead the older adult participants. If the older adult participants are from a retirement community or nursing home, the facility may have an Activities Director or Resident Service Coordinator who would be willing to serve in this capacity.
• Plan a method for closure at the end of the project. Will you have a ceremony? Will participants exchange addresses for possible e-mail or pen-pal correspondence?
• Develop an evaluation plan to assess whether goals and objectives are met.

Obtain necessary approvals from the school system and parents of students for student participation and transportation.

• Present your project plan to the appropriate school administration for approval.
• Prepare permission slips approving participation and transportation for parents' signatures.
  

Consider the needs and abilities of the older adult participants when planning your project.

• What characteristics are you looking for? For example, do you believe that your project would be best served by older adults who are good listeners, patient, and nonjudgmental in nature? Do you think that a good sense of humor or willingness to try new things are important characteristics in your volunteers ?
  
• Would you like to recruit older adults with specials skills or hobbies?
• What are the physical demands of your project?
• What is the length of the participant's commitment?
• Are there any time expectations outside of the actual time spent with the students? For example, is e-mail or written correspondence required from participants?
• Arrange for substitute volunteers to cover travel plans or unexpected illness of senior participants and avoid continuity problems.

Consider the needs and abilities of your students when planning your project.

• What child:older adult ratio do you have as a goal? (Ideally this should be 1:1 if at all possible.)
• Do any of the students have special needs (physical, educational, or emotional) that should be considered carefully when choosing an older adult to be his/her Grandbuddy?

When choosing a location for intergenerational activities, consider such aspects as:

• Where will your meetings take place?
• Think about location, size of room, restrooms, accessibility for disabled persons, distracting noises or activity, ventilation, chairs, and general aesthetics. An uncomfortable setting can ruin the best programs.
• Will there be transportation and safety issues to consider?