On the 6th of March, Redbond Lodge Care Home hosted a joyful celebration for World Book Day, inviting the children from Puffin Pre-School to join residents for a morning of fun and intergenerational bonding. The children, dressed in their favourite storybook costumes, brought excitement to the day, with a special guest, Winnie the Pooh, adding to the magic.
The idea for the event arose when the children prepared for their World Book Day dress-up, and the team at Redbond Lodge knew the residents would love to see the costumes and engage with the children. The morning kicked off with the children sharing one of their favourite books, The Colour Monster, and acting out the character’s emotions. They then sat with the residents, colouring pictures of the Colour Monster and exchanging stories. As a special treat, Winnie the Pooh-shaped biscuits, baked by the residents the day before, were shared between the children and residents.
The event was filled with heartwarming moments. Cyril, one of the residents, reflected, “I just sat afterward and reflected back over the morning. The children are so adorable to be with. It’s the highlight of my week.” Jean, another resident, fondly remembered the little boy who sat with her, colouring in his picture, saying, “I just loved the little boy who sat with me.”
The children’s teacher observed that both the children and residents seemed to thrive on the experience, emphasising the importance of building relationships across generations. The morning proved to be a beautiful reminder of how powerful such interactions can be in bringing joy and connection, while also giving the children the chance to gain confidence in connecting with older generations.
At Redbond Lodge, the team is committed to creating enriching experiences for residents and the local community. This World Book Day celebration was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, strengthening the bond between generations and creating memories that will last.