Building Connections That Last: How Our Friendship With SouthPark Square Seniors Helps Children Grow

Quick Answer
At KidsFirst Early Learning Center – Strongsville, children learn that kindness and connection go hand in hand. Our partnership with the residents of SouthPark Square Senior Apartments gives children meaningful opportunities to build empathy, confidence, and respect — one smile, story, and shared moment at a time.

Why Intergenerational Learning Matters

When young children spend time with older adults, something beautiful happens. They listen more closely, express themselves more clearly, and begin to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Research from Generations United shows that intergenerational experiences help children strengthen social-emotional skills like patience, empathy, and communication — while giving older adults a renewed sense of joy and belonging.

For us, these visits aren’t an add-on — they’re an extension of our belief that learning happens best through relationships.

 

What Our Partnership Looks Like

Our friends at SouthPark Square Senior Apartments, right across the parking lot, are part of our extended school family. Throughout the year, our classes and the residents visit each other for shared activities — story time, crafts, and celebrations that bring generations together in simple, joyful ways.

During our Grandparents Day celebration, for example, children and seniors exchanged stories, songs, and handmade cards. The smiles, laughter, and hugs filled the room — and children walked away feeling proud and connected.

These experiences show our children that care, kindness, and respect don’t have an age limit.

 

What Do Children Learn From These Moments?

Empathy in Action

Through gentle interactions, children learn to listen, wait their turn, and care about someone else’s feelings. These are skills that grow naturally through real human connection.

Confidence and Communication

When children share songs, art, or short stories with older adults, they build language and presentation skills in a setting that feels safe and encouraging.

Respect Across Generations

Seeing kindness and patience modeled by seniors teaches children to slow down, appreciate differences, and treat others with compassion.

Why These Visits Mean So Much

For our senior friends, these moments bring joy and connection. For our students, they’re a chance to experience the heart of community — showing that learning doesn’t stop with age and that friendship can grow anywhere.

Parents often tell us these experiences carry over at home, too. Children talk about their “senior friends,” ask questions about grandparents, and show a deeper appreciation for the people who care for them.

How Intergenerational Learning Supports Our Play-Based Curriculum

This partnership ties perfectly into our Creative Curriculum approach. When children interact, build, and play with others, they’re developing social awareness and emotional understanding in real time.

Just as they learn through dramatic play and storytelling, these visits let them explore new relationships in a meaningful, hands-on way — the kind of learning that sticks.

You can learn more about the Creative Curriculum we use at KidsFirst by visiting Teaching Strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do children visit the senior apartments?
Our visits are planned throughout the year during special activities, holidays, and community events. Sometimes, the seniors visit us too — for crafts, music, or shared reading time.

How do you prepare children for these experiences?
We talk about what it means to be kind, patient, and gentle before each visit. Teachers model positive social interactions so children feel confident and comfortable.

Are these visits part of the curriculum?
Yes — they’re a meaningful part of our social-emotional learning goals. Connecting with seniors helps children practice empathy, cooperation, and communication, which align directly with the goals of our Creative Curriculum.

Experience the KidsFirst Difference

At KidsFirst Strongsville, we believe education is about growing hearts as much as minds. Our partnership with SouthPark Square shows children that community care, kindness, and respect are things we practice every day — not just talk about.

We’d love to show you how our curriculum comes together to create meaningful experiences for every child. Schedule a visit and see our classrooms and our approach to learning  in action.