Buderim Kindergarten – time to reconnect

Buderim Kindergarten – time to reconnect

by Lisa Stanley, Teacher/Director at Buderim Community Kindergarten

Last year during COVID, the children at Buderim Kindy connected with a local aged care facility, creating some special drawings for the residents.

This year, a parent who happens to be a local doctor and regularly visits this facility, was concerned that the residents were feeling lonely and disconnected due to the COVID restrictions. We reflected on how we could continue this connection and thought we could organise a ZOOM call with the residents and carers.

During our first call we sang some favourite songs and had a chat. The residents were so delighted to see the children and joined in the singing. Everyone was smiling and had a cheer at the end of each song. We sang Happy Birthday to John who turned 80 and met a lady who was 100! The children were amazed someone could be 100 years old!

During one of the calls, a resident sang solo to the children, singing a lovely song about a kangaroo. This was a heart-warming moment, as she gave it her all and had the most beautiful tuneful voice.  The residents enjoyed singing some of the old classics such as, “Give Me a Home among the Gum Trees”, “Waltzing Matilda” and “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree”. The children also thoroughly enjoyed watching themselves on the screen!

We talked about the experience with the children afterwards and they thought it is a nice thing to do because it makes them happy and us happy. This term, some of the residents would like to read to the children. We have lent them some favourite books, as they wanted to practise first. We also made them a mural of drawings to hang up in their home, each child drew on a square, creating a patchwork effect. Even though we cannot visit the residents in person, we can achieve connection with the use of technology. I was surprised how easy it was to organise and implement.

One positive to come from COVID, has been developing more confidence with using technology to promote social interactions when restrictions are in place. Zooming with our local elderly community, has brought joy to all involved including the residents, carers, the children, educators and parents. It has encouraged a sense of empathy and connection to some of our most vulnerable citizens, who have been feeling isolated and alone.

We will continue this special connection, making it a regular part of the program and have organised a ZOOM call once a month.

Lisa Stanley, Teacher/Director at Buderim Community Kindergarten