The hour-long class, “Play and Learn with our Grand-Friends,” utilized musical activities to bring together youngsters with young at heart seniors.

Sponsored by the local nonprofit organization, Fort Dodge Play and Learn Center, the hour-long class consisted of participants from various generations, including a 1-year-old tot and a 98-year-old nonagenarian.

The interactive event included an almost equal number of early childhood kids and seniors, who interacted with each other in a music-laden environment.

The class featured participants listening to music and playing a wide variety of percussion instruments, including egg shakers, bells, rhythm sticks, tone blocks, and xylophones.

-Messenger photo by David Drissel
Fort Dodge Play and Learn Center Program Director Jenn Becker observes the music lesson that brought toddlers and senior citizens together at Friendship Haven. Lyle Hetherington is seated at right.

The class was based on a relatively new concept, “grand-friend,” which refers to an unrelated older adult who connects with children in a supervised environment, offering wisdom, companionship, and intergenerational bonding, similar to a grandparent.

Grand-friend events are intended to bridge the generational gap through shared activities, while reducing loneliness for seniors and providing mentorship for young people.

“Play and Learn with our Grand-Friends” is the brainchild of FDPLC Program Director Jenn Becker. The class was free for participants, though capped at 20 children, most of whom were between the ages of 2 and 5 years old, she notes. However, a few participating children were slightly younger or older. Several parents also accompanied their children. Seniors who attended the class were all volunteers and Friendship Haven residents, 75 years of age or above.

Becker recalls that the first time she considered starting a “grand-friends” event in Fort Dodge was while walking down the hallways of the Marian Home with her 18-month-old son. She was in the nursing home visiting her grandfather, but noticed the positive reactions of elderly residents when they observed her son.

“Their eyes would light up when they saw him,” Becker said. “My son doesn’t realize how much joy he’s spreading in the nursing home. Older people sometimes have a childlike spirit.”

-Messenger photo by David Drissel
Participants included Velva Skophammer, second from left; Anita Lindquist, center; and Carol Hetherington, right.

However, grand-friend events are designed to benefit both older adults and children.

“Not all children have older adults in their lives, or vice versa,” she said. “These classes provide an opportunity for both groups to interact, which can create reciprocal relationships based on trust.”

As a former first-grade school teacher at Butler Elementary, Becker understands the importance of adult mentors and other role models interacting with young children.

“Kids can learn valuable social skills and empathy from older adults,” she said.

Kenzie Kelly, Friendship Haven activities coordinator, helped to arrange the grand-friend event, noting the importance of such activities in building intergenerational bonds.

-Messenger photo by David Drissel
Jackson Anderson, left, and Lyle Hetherington participate in the “Play and Learn with our Grand-Friends” music class at Friendship Haven on Wednesday.

“For many of our residents who attended the class, it will be the highlight of their year,” she said. “Interacting with children brings back memories and helps them to reminisce.”

In agreement with Kelly, Becker observes that the inaugural grand-friend class was successful. “I was blown away by the event and how well it went,” she said. “Everyone on both sides had a really good time.”

Acting in partnership with Linking Families and Communities, the Fort Dodge Play and Learn Center is located on the second floor of the downtown Wells Fargo building, 822 Central Ave.

“Play and Learn with our Grand-Friends” was the first in a series of planned music-based events held at local nursing homes. The next class is scheduled for 11a.m., May 14, at the Marian Home. Interested parents with young children should register in advance on the FDPLC website, linking-families.com.

-Messenger photo by David Drissel
Lyla Anderson plays on a xylophone held by Anita Lindquist.