As part of their Community Helpers Unit, our Mountain Academy Jackson Campus kindergarten students recently embarked on a meaningful and memorable visit to Sage Living Center. With curiosity and compassion, our youngest learners stepped into the role of “helpers,” eager to better understand how members of our community care for the elderly.
Upon arrival, each kindergartener was paired with a special “grand-friend,” forming instant connections that would carry throughout the morning. Together, they participated in a series of engaging musical activities led by Sage Living Center’s music therapist. Laughter filled the room as students delighted in acting out their favorite animals while their grand-friends guessed which creature they were portraying, a joyful exchange that brought smiles to every face.
The visit continued with a collaborative art activity designed to deepen these new friendships. Kindergarteners and their grand-friends interviewed one another, sharing favorite foods, colors, and interests. They then worked side by side to create drawings inspired by their conversations. In moments that beautifully reflected empathy and care, several students assisted their grand-friends who needed help holding a pencil, demonstrating kindness in its purest form.
The morning concluded with another shared song celebrating favorite seasons, leaving everyone uplifted and connected through music and creativity.
Back in the classroom, the experience continued as students used their interview notes to create personalized works of art for their grand-friends, incorporating meaningful details such as favorite animals, colors, foods, and seasons. In return, the grand-friends are preparing their own special creations for the kindergarteners. This thoughtful exchange, to take place after spring break, ensures that the bonds formed will continue to grow.
This visit was more than a field trip: it was an opportunity for our students to experience the joy of giving, the importance of empathy, and the value of intergenerational connection. By the end of the day, it was clear that our kindergarteners had brightened many lives, leaving behind smiles, laughter, and heartfelt hugs that will not soon be forgotten.
Highlight Quote of the Journey:” I feel like me and my buddy really connected. Like, if we could hang out more, we’d probably be best friends. I’m going to ask my mom and dad to get a house closer to this place so we can visit Nancy all the time.” – Everett