Winter Session Adventures at The Meadows: Saplings Class Embraces Nature and Community
- 8 Acre Woods Nature School
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
As the winter season draws near, we are excited to share a new adventure for our Saplings class! This winter, we are setting up at The Meadows at Osborn, a lovely retirement and nursing home that offers our students a chance to connect with nature and their community. With a dedicated space, a separate entrance, and access to a serene outdoor courtyard, we are ready to dive into a winter filled with exploration, learning, and connections with others.
Each week, our children will spend time with residents in a program designed to build connection, joy, and learning across generations.
Research shows that intergenerational programs benefit everyone involved. For older adults, spending time with young children can bring energy, laughter, and renewed purpose, while reducing feelings of loneliness. For children, the experience helps nurture empathy, patience, and an appreciation for older generations. It’s a beautiful exchange — wisdom, stories, and care flow both ways.
And the outcomes aren’t just feel-good — they’re measurable. Studies have found:
Older adults who participate in intergenerational activities report lower levels of depression and greater feelings of meaning and joy in their daily lives.¹
Residents with dementia show increased engagement and positive mood when young children are present.²
Preschool and elementary children in intergenerational programs develop greater empathy and social acceptance of others, skills that carry over into school and friendships.³
In one study, children maintained positive changes in knowledge and attitudes about older adults and health conditions like dementia even six months after the program ended.⁴
During these visits, our Saplings and the residents of The Meadows will come together for activities like storytime, gardening projects, nature crafts, and music. These simple moments of connection often spark big smiles, curious questions, and warm friendships.
At 8 Acre Woods, we believe children learn best through real-world experiences that connect them to both people and nature. Partnering with The Meadows allows our Saplings to see that learning and community extend beyond their own age group. It also provides residents with meaningful, engaging interactions that brighten their days.
We are thrilled to see this partnership grow and to watch the bonds between our Saplings and The Meadows residents blossom. It’s one more way we are helping children develop not only skills for school readiness, but also compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging in their community.
We look forward to sharing our adventures with you throughout the winter session, and we can't wait to see the joy and learning that unfolds as we embrace the beauty of nature and the warmth of community. Here's to a winter filled with discovery, laughter, and connection!
We have scheduled an Open House to welcome families in to see our space and the opportunities we will have at The Meadows. Click below to register for the Open House
References:
Jarrott, S. E., & Smith, C. L. (2011). The impact of intergenerational programs on persons with dementia. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 9(2), 162–170.
Belgrave, M. (2011). The effect of intergenerational music activities on engagement and affect of persons with dementia. Journal of Music Therapy, 48(4), 486–508.
Kaplan, M., & Sánchez, M. (2014). Intergenerational Programs: Concepts and Practices Around the World. Springer.
Chippendale, T., & Boltz, M. (2015). Living legends: Students’ knowledge and attitudes about older adults and aging before and after an intergenerational program. Educational Gerontology, 41(1), 93–105.
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