SCHOOL GRANDMOTHER / SCHOOL GRANDPARENT
Our school is running a pilot project in which a school grandmother visits every other week. The children are overjoyed to have this opportunity. And the grandmother is happy too. We want to share this idea with everyone else. Perhaps it will become a tradition in many Estonian schools.
If you are an interested grandparent or a school representative, get in touch and let's see how we can grow the school grandparent movement together: koolivanaema@gmail.com.
What does being a school grandmother or grandparent give…THE SCHOOL?
A better learning environment and better learning through:
- A sense of security
- Greater well-being
- A stronger sense of belonging in the group
THE CHILDREN
Meeting the school grandmother gives children:
- A sense of security
- Excitement
- Knowledge of the old days
- The experience of a meaningful relationship (a group should have no more than 10 children)
- A chance to experience the bond between generations
- A chance to form positive attitudes towards older people (acceptance)
THE GRANDMOTHER/GRANDPARENT
Meeting the children and working with the school gives the grandparent:
- A chance to feel needed and valued
- Stronger self-esteem. "I am wise and experienced, and I have something to share."
- Something to do
- A chance to feel (and so to be) younger
- A sense of connection between generations (for those who have none with their own relatives)
- Broader horizons (children have a lot to teach, too)
- An opportunity for lifelong learning.
As a result, everyone involved is happier and healthier, and learns better.
Requirements or conditions for a school grandparent
- Must love children
- Empathy is essential
- Health must allow it
- Must feel responsible for future generations
- Must have the will to do it
- Ideally sees this activity as a chance for personal growth
A childlike spirit helps, i.e. the ability to meet a child at their level