Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026
A buddy program at Alliance Public School pairs Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from the school, who then visit nearby Barclay House to spend time every month with elders at the retirement residence.
The program began last year, and Grade 1 teacher Kristina Giesler has been going every month. “When we arrive, the children sit at a table with their buddies (a Grade 6 student), and each table has a few open seats for the elders to join. The elders sit at whichever table they like,” says Giesler.
She says that some elders join every month, others join periodically. The group has done crafts, performed and played games. “No matter what the activity, the littles, bigs and elders alike all have a wonderful time,” she adds.
"Intergenerational activities can be beneficial to both groups,” says Giesler. “They can help build confidence, challenge assumptions and prejudices and help tackle social isolation and loneliness in both groups."
Natalie Zwolak, retirement living consultant at Barclay House, says there are benefits for the residents, too. “Some benefits for our seniors with this program are increased happiness, sense of purpose, mental stimulation, social engagement, opportunities to teach, and a boost in creativity.”
Grade 1 student Chloe likes doing crafts with elder buddies. “I like it when they talk to us,” says her classmate, Amelia. Owen says, “I like that we always do something fun with them.”
The students look forward to seeing their elder buddies and doing activities with them. “They learn respect and kindness and love hearing the stories from our elder buddies as they talk about their experiences,” says Giesler. “Likewise, the elders liven up when they see the children walk in. And love hearing the things the little ones come up with.”
The activities have also tied in with community outreach, says Zwokak. The buddies have created bandanas to donate to the Humane Society and made cards for Nurses Month.
