Originally published in TEACH Magazine, May/June 2017 Issue
A place filled with wheelchair-bound and walker-pushing folks may not be your typical field trip, but homes for the aged often rely on visitors to brighten up the days of their residents, offering a great way for students to get involved in service-learning and civic engagement. By participating in meaningful interactions with residents, students have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, even if it is as simple as putting a smile on a senior’s face. Enabling students to gain experience caring for those in need can also promote their social-emotional development, instilling values such as understanding, empathy, tolerance, and compassion.
Below are suggestions for senior care facilities that welcome organized visits by K–12 school groups.
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