Building Connections Across Generations with Boogie Beat Intergenerational Workshops
Recently in Scotland, Mairi from Boogie Beat Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian hosted one of their monthly intergenerational workshop at Flora Bank Care Home in Haddington, where they welcomed a special guest—Paul McLennan, MSP for the Scottish National Party and elected member for East Lothian. This visit provided an opportunity to showcase our monthly intergenerational workshops, which bring together children from local nurseries and elderly care home residents for shared storytelling, music, and movement.
Hear from Mairi
Our workshop on this particular day featured the children from St. Mary’s Nursery, who joined the residents at Flora Bank Care Home. The energy in the room is always palpable as the residents light up when the children arrive, and we all explore traditional tales and songs together. I had the pleasure of explaining to Paul McLennan and his assistant Katie how much these monthly sessions mean to everyone involved. Over time, we’ve watched the children grow more confident in interacting with the residents, while the residents benefit from increased physical movement and social engagement.
Of course, no one is exempt from participation at our Boogie Beat sessions! I made sure to let Paul and Katie know they’d be shaking maracas and moving along with the rest of us. Our intergenerational workshops encourage the elderly residents to stay active, even when movement can be a challenge. Singing songs like “Twirl Your Scarf Around” or “Wind the Bobbin Up” with scarves encourages gentle arm movements. The children lead the way, and the residents can’t help but join in—smiles all around.
A Bear Hunt Adventure
On this particular morning, we embarked on a beloved journey—Going on a Bear Hunt. This story is packed with repeated phrases, like the rhythmic chant:
“We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going on a bear hunt
We’re going to find a big one, we’re going to find a big one
I’m not scared, I’m not scared
What a beautiful day, what a beautiful day.”
This repetition helps everyone, both children and residents, join in easily. As the familiar phrases echoed through the room, you could feel the magic of shared storytelling. Even those who may not remember every word can participate, thanks to the repetition that allows everyone to feel included.
We moved through different stages of the adventure—squelching through thick, oozy mud, swishing through grass, and battling a snowstorm (which, in our workshop, was actually a joyful flurry of bubbles!). There’s something about bubbles that always brings joy, and both the children and residents stretched to pop them, their laughter filling the room.
Finding Bears and Building Bonds
Before the session began, I’d hidden four small bears around the care home for the children to find. As we reached the part of the story where we enter the “deep, dark cave,” the children crept around the room, peeking behind chairs and cushions to find the hidden bears. There was plenty of excitement and laughter, particularly from one resident, who was delighted when a little bear popped out from behind her cushion!
Once all the bears were found, the children handed them over to the residents, who thoroughly enjoyed playing with their new furry friends—waving their paws and tickling their tummies. It was a simple yet joyful way to involve everyone in the story.
Wrapping Up with Songs
As is tradition, we ended the session with our calming “Toy Box Song,” which helps everyone wind down after the excitement of the bear hunt. Out of the toy box came familiar items, sparking suggestions for songs. Sylvia suggested “The Wheels on the Bus,” while Jim requested “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” Some children even held hands with the residents to row their boats together, a heartwarming display of building confidence and connection.
A Successful Workshop
All in all, it was a morning filled with smiles, laughter, and meaningful interactions. Paul McLennan and Katie were able to see first-hand how these workshops foster connections between generations, helping both children and residents build confidence, joy, and community.
I’m incredibly passionate about the work we do at Boogie Beat, and I look forward to continuing these intergenerational workshops with more nurseries and care homes. If you think your local care home or relative’s residence could benefit from one of our sessions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to bring Boogie Beat to more communities and share the joy of storytelling, song, and movement with everyone.
Thank you for reading about our recent intergenerational workshop at Flora Bank Care Home in Haddington East Lothian, Scotland. You can join our mailing list to be first to hear about our community work here.
