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FREE Weekly Drop-In Music Classes with Preschool Giving Tree Program

By Jamie George, The George Center June 17, 2019

"Whether we're a preschooler or a young teen, a graduating college senior or a retired person, we human beings all want to know that we're acceptable, that our being alive somehow makes a difference in the lives of others." - Mister Rogers

The George Center for Music Therapy, in conjunction with their Bloom in Music Community Music Program, is hosting The Giving Tree intergenerational preschool music class this summer.  

The Giving Tree program utilizes singing, dancing, and instrument play to facilitate interaction between residents of assisted living and memory care centers and local preschoolers. On any given day you may find them practicing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” using sign language, playing instruments to a Frank Sinatra tune or singing holiday classics. Using music and activities that appeal to young and old alike, The Giving Tree connects these two generations through music and friendship.


Summer 2019 Drop In Locations:

Arbor Terrace Crabapple
12200 Crabapple Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Wednesdays 10:15-10:45 AM
5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7

Fridays 10:30-11:00 AM
5/24, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9

Arbor Terrace Johns Creek
3180 Karen White Drive, Suwanee, GA 30024 

Mondays 9:45-10:15 AM
5/20, NO CLASS 5/27 (MEMORIAL DAY), 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29

Brookdale Chambrel
1000 Applewood Dr, Roswell, GA 30076

Dates and Time:
Tuesdays 11:00-11:30 AM
5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6

Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory
920 Burnt Hickory Rd NW, Marietta, GA 30064 

Dates and Time:
Wednesdays 10:00-10:30 AM
5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 


More About the Program:

Research in music-based intergenerational programming has shown benefits such as improved cross-age attitudes and cross-age interactions between younger and older generations.

  • Intergenerational programs enrich the lives of participants while reaching across the perceived barriers of generational divides. 1

  • For aging adults, intergenerational programs are a wonderful opportunity for community access. The outside world can become distant for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. By allowing preschoolers into their world, the feelings of loneliness and isolation are diminished by the innocence, joy, and playfulness that children bring to any atmosphere. For children, there is so much wisdom and life experience that “grandfriends” can share while simultaneously teaching the children that aging is normal and nothing to fear.2

“I’m amazed by this program. It makes our day. We are blessed by having these young children in our presence. I lost my children when they were teens so I don’t have any grandchildren to enjoy, but now I get to enjoy other people’s grandchildren! I love them.” Lillian Cumbaa, Arbor Terrace of Burnt Hickory Resident

For More Information:

For questions about our summer drop in class locations, dates and times, please email Andrea@TheGeorgeCenter.com

Summer drop in classes are FREE and open to the public. Class locations, dates and time are listed below.

For more information about The George Center, click here.


References

Rosebrook, Dr. V. 2006 “Research Indicates: Intergenerational Interactions Enhance Young Children’s Personal/Social Skills.” Together. Generations United Newsletter, Volume 11, Number 2, 2006.

2 Developing an Intergenerational Program in Your Early Childhood Care and Education Center, A Guidebook for Early Childhood Practitioners. Penn State, College of Agricultural Sciences, 7.