Seniors, Small Fry, and Song

SUMMARY

The development and implementation of an intergenerational singing group starting from the idea for the program and including all stages of group development from the planning stage to the ending stage are described. The importance of clarity of purpose for activities is emphasized. Two age groups, seniors and children, come together to sing, and to establish relationships. While largely successful, the lack of knowledge and understanding of the group work approach on the part of some of the professional staff adversely influenced the outcome. Includes a summary of research about groups of this kind and a review of the relevant social group work literature.

Key Words:

• Seniors
• elders
• intergenerational program
• purposeful use of activities
• group work
• stages of development
• endings