Health and Disability

Because of their partnership with a nursing home, fourth graders did several service-learning projects involving residents. This blog post features their research on their intergenerational experiences and older adult stereotypes. Pre-test and post-test survey questions were included. Before visiting, students recorded what their expectations were about nursing homes and the residents who lived there. They indicated that they thought residents would be boring, slow, and trying to get into their "business." These were only a few of the negative stereotypes they had already developed about this population.

Students also participated in several lessons on aging, stereotypes, and eldercare. Among other topics, they learned about dementia, potential healthcare careers, and win-win benefits of service. A better understanding of caregiving and acceptance of peoples' differences became evident in their discussions. This extensive preparation enhanced their confidence in interacting with residents later.

Fourth graders were amazed at how their opinions changed when they answered the same survey questions after returning to school and reflecting on their nursing home experiences. One girl exclaimed, "That 80-year-old lady said she used to be a really good basketball player!" A boy wearing eyeglasses happily shared that a resident told him she used to get called "four-eyed" sometimes just like he did, but she never let that stop her from doing her best. Students mastered how to record, analyze, and disseminate research data presented later to staff, parents, community, the school district, and at the NYLC National Service-Learning Conference.