When Generations Meet: Storytime With Seniors
There’s something truly special about bringing two generations together—and that’s exactly what happens when our friends from Victoria Landing Senior Living in Melbourne, FL come visit our preschool for storytime.
Laughter, learning, and love flow easily when our youngest learners meet some of our wisest neighbors. These visits have quickly become some of our most cherished moments—and for good reason.
📚 Senior Home Storytime
During these visits, residents from Victoria Landing join us right inside the classroom. They read books, share stories, smile with the children, and often stay for a little conversation or a song. It’s not just a sweet moment—it’s a meaningful one.
💛 Why It’s Beneficial for Children
For our preschoolers, intergenerational visits offer something magical. They help children:
Learn empathy and respect for others of all ages
Practice listening and social skills in a warm, low-pressure setting
Feel a sense of connection to a wider community
Gain emotional security through positive, caring interactions
Studies show that positive relationships with older adults can boost children’s social development and emotional understanding, encouraging kindness, patience, and curiosity.
🌟 Why It’s Good for Seniors, Too!
The joy flows both ways. For our senior guests, visits to the preschool provide:
A renewed sense of purpose and connection
Increased mood and emotional well-being
Opportunities to share memories, stories, and wisdom
Cognitive benefits through active social engagement
The research says that interacting with children can also help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve morale among older adults. Many seniors find great fulfillment in giving back to younger generations—and we see it in every smile!
🤝 Building a Kinder Community, Together
Our collaboration with Victoria Landing located in Melbourne, FL, is something we’re truly proud of. It’s a beautiful example of how a preschool can be more than just a classroom—it can be part of a community that celebrates connection, compassion, and shared growth.
As we continue these visits throughout the year, we look forward to more stories, more laughter, and more quiet, powerful moments that remind us: we all have something to give and something to learn—no matter our age!
Toodleloo!
Academic Sources:
Femia, E. E., Zarit, S. H., Blair, C., Jarrott, S. E., & Bruno, K. (2008). Intergenerational preschool experiences and the young child: Potential benefits to development. Early Childhood Research & Practice, 10(1).
George, D. R. (2011). Intergenerational volunteering and quality of life for older adults: An exploratory study. Educational Gerontology, 37(10), 850–866. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2010.485011