Kids from Little Deers Nursery and elderly residents from Buckreddan Care Centre, both in Kilwinning, have been learning a new lingo together as part of an intergenerational programme called Crocs and Tots.
The programme sees toddlers spend quality time with elderly care home residents on a weekly basis, and aims to improve emotional and physical wellbeing for everyone. It has been running for a number of weeks and is set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Amy Bell, who owns the local children’s language franchise Kidslingo, delivered the first of many joint Spanish lessons to the adults and toddlers, and everyone sang Spanish songs, learnt new words and played exciting games.
Some of the residents at Buckreddan Care Centre have dementia and find spending time with the children particularly beneficial in terms of mood and memory enhancement, often remembering and looking forward to their next meeting with the children.
There have also been a number of studies that show learning a new language can build up cognitive reserve and delay the onset of dementia – pointing to the benefits the new Spanish classes could bring the residents.
Doreen Hearshaw, Manager at Little Deers Nursery, said: “We’re really proud of our Crocs and Tots programme and are really pleased to have added learning Spanish into the mix.
“Both the residents from Buckreddan Care Centre and the children from the nursery have had a whale of a time and it’s clear to see the benefit of carrying these language lessons on. Who knew learning Spanish could be so fun?”
Amy Bell said: “I’ve always loved teaching languages to children but I had no idea that teaching a group of adults and youngsters together could be such fun!
“I’m really pleased to be a part of the Crocs and Tots programme and am thoroughly excited to plan further Spanish lessons for the group.”
Amy teaches Spanish in the community, in nurseries and in primary schools and can be contacted on amy.bell@kidslingo.co.uk.
To find a French or Spanish class near you, please visit www.kidslingo.co.uk.
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