Harrogate primary pupils keep elderly company during lockdown
Children have been recording themselves reading stories and poems for older people in the community
A group of primary school children from Harrogate have been recording themselves reading stories to combat loneliness in the elderly.
Students at Richard Taylor Primary have recorded stories and poems for residents at Harrogate Neighbours to keep them company during the lockdown.
It's to celebrate National Storytelling Week (30th – 6th February) with hopes that sharing tales will educate and inspire each generation.
Ten pupils between the ages of seven and 11 who each share a love of reading will record a selection of traditional short stories, poetry and extracts from the likes of “The Hodgeheg” by Dick King Smith. These will then be played to the residents at Harrogate Neighbours.
Some of the children have been reading the Highwayman by Alfred Noyes.
Owen said: "I think lots of people should read the poem because it's very interesting.
"We've really enjoyed reading it and I hope the older people liked hearing us read the poem. I hope it makes them feel comforted and that they know we're looking out for them."
Sophia wrote her own story for the elderly. She said: "I wrote my story about looking out of the window and talking about what you can see but it didn't have to be real I was using my imagination.
"I really hope they enjoyed it because things have been really strange with the covid situation and they deserve to not feel alone."
Mr Andrew Symonds, Head Teacher at Richard Taylor Primary School, said: “We were delighted when Harrogate Neighbours contacted us about the initiative. Storytelling is central to our curriculum - we read a range of genres, from classic tales to contemporary fiction and picture books.
As a school, we are heavily involved in the community and pre-lockdown we would invite elderly members of the community into school for tea and a talk with our pupils. We believe strongly in the importance of Intergenerational activities and look forward to being involved in this year’s National storytelling Week with Harrogate Neighbours.
"The children have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this and it's helped build confidence in some pupils. We hope we'll be able to have some of the older people come into school soon so they can hear the stories in person."
Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, CEO Sue Cawthray said, “we would like to say a huge thank you to the teachers and children at Richard Taylor Primary School for agreeing to take part in this initiative. Storytelling in all forms is a key part of caring for the elderly and we know what a positive impact it has on our residents when they engage with the younger generation. We hope this initiative will be mutually beneficial to both our residents and the children taking part.”
Encouraging the exchange of storytelling and focusing on this element of learning and communication, aims to give pupils a purpose knowing that the recordings shared with the residents at Harrogate Neighbours will not only put a big smile on their face, but will also help to tackle the feeling of isolation. Likewise, the stories recorded by the residents aim to provide an insight into their past and present life in lockdown from the viewpoint on an older person.
Studies suggest that intergenerational activities are said to have a positive impact on mental health, in both the older and younger generation. Whilst lockdowns continue, the elderly are more isolated than ever and the younger generation are adapting to a new social norm, which for many is an increase in screen time.