What should you expect if you’re heading to a baby or toddler class in a care home?

We’re joined by Nicky Moore from Caterpillar Music (Basingstoke) who’s here to let you know what to expect at an Intergenerational baby or toddler class.

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“Have You Come To See Me?”

I was setting up for my baby and toddler music class at a care home, turning on my speaker, getting props ready, and turning the disco lights on. The residents were all sat in their lounge, quietly comfy. Down the long hallway, through the glass door, we could hear a little parade of stomping feet and toddling walkers. As the parents and children made their way to the class, I listened to a group of elderly residents getting excited about what was coming:

“Look at that one!”

“Oh my goodness, what a cutie!”

As the children entered the room, the residents’ faces lit up as they said hello. “Have you come to see me?” they asked. I explained we were going to do some singing with the children. As I began to sing some opening nursery rhymes, the residents joined in. The memory of the lyrics was flooding back for many of them. Just like riding a bike, or just like Jack and Jill rolling down a hill.

At the end of one class, I saw a resident quietly crying with her care worker. Worried that something from the class had upset her I approached. Instead of being upset, I learnt that she was overcome with memories of when she worked as a nursery nurse.

It was a beautiful memory that she was happy to share. One of the reasons I love sharing nursery rhymes with children is the way they iconically are a shared experience, passed down from generation to generation. It’s this sense of a communal experience of music across generations that encouraged me to offer Intergenerational classes.

What Happens At An Intergenerational Class?

It’s the same format as our usual classes! We follow a clear routine to aid confidence & provide reassurance to children. There’s our usual mix of puppets, instruments, bubbles & props within a specific theme. It’s a relaxed environment aimed at bringing musical fun to babies, toddlers, parents & older people alike.

The residents are sat in the lounge in their comfy chairs and we sit in a circle on the floor. When it’s time to get out puppets or props or instruments, I encourage the older children to help hand these out to the residents. There are also a couple of care home assistants on hand to help hand things out and encourage residents to participate.

At the end of the class, we spend some time having a general chat with the residents and introducing them to individual children. Sometimes the residents might enjoy holding a baby or gently playing with a toddler.

What Are The Benefits Of An Intergenerational Class?

These classes can be beneficial to children, their parents or carers & the care home residents. Benefits include

• Building children’s confidence through socialising and participating; particularly in a different environment than they may be used to.
• Improving your child’s social development skills as they build connections in a wider environment. Which may be particularly beneficial if a child doesn’t have any living (or living close by) grandparents.
• Children will also get all the benefits of a normal baby or toddler class such as language, social, and motor skills development.
• Getting to know a different generation can expand your own experiences. You may find this challenges some previously held assumptions & prejudices that you have. After all, we never stop learning!
• The relaxed and friendly class can help tackle loneliness for residents & mothers (or fathers!)
• Enhances the quality of life for elderly residents by providing them with a diverse range of activities
• Regular attendance will help build friendships on an individual basis. It’s wonderful to expand your friendship circle in such a way!

Also, in simple terms, it just feels good to do good!

I often get messages after running a class to say how much a customer has enjoyed the session. One customer commented, “you could see on the residents faces how much they enjoyed interacting with the babies. It was lovely”. You’ll leave with a sense of having done something good. 

Try A Baby Or Toddler Class In A Care Home

Caterpillar Music Basingstoke now has 3 care homes that we regularly visit in the area, covering mornings and afternoons so you’ll be sure to find a time and location that suits you. I offer these classes on a ‘pay as you go’ basis although your space must be booked in advance. The care home subsides these classes so I am able to offer you a space at a discounted rate.

Find Caterpillar Music on Happity today!

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