Generations connected through stories and play

John Bear’s Nursery brought together young children, senior citizens and a local author for a memorable morning of storytelling and play in Aylsham.

The event began with author and illustrator Jamie Payne introducing himself to the group of very excited three- and four-year-olds, showing them some of the books he’d written and illustrations of Biggle-Dink, the main character of his stories.

He then read to the children his book about cars, followed by a story in which Biggle-Dink discovered that rain could be fun. The children eagerly asked questions and guessed what might happen next and how Biggle-Dink might be feeling.

The children’s excitement grew further with the arrival of their older friends from local care homes Aylsham Manor and Holt’s Heath Lodge. Geoff, Helen, Sheila and Thelma joined the group of children sharing books about Biggle-Dink and listening to stories.

Following the story-telling session, Jamie presented each child with their own Biggle-Dink bookmark. The children and their visitors then explored a range of activities set out ready in the nursery, such as playing with cars, having fun with the diggers in the glitter tray, dressing up, and spinning the wheel to take turns in a dominoes game. Some children were inspired by Jamie’s illustrations and created artwork of their own while talking about what they were drawing with their visitors.

Geoff, when presented with drawings to take home, said he would “treasure the pictures” and that he would put them up on his wall.

Intergenerational visits to the nursery, which is part of the Aylsham Learning Federation, are arranged with Norfolk-based charity Friend in Deed. The charity organises a variety of activities and events that create friendship across generations, with the aim of reducing loneliness and promoting kindness. The nursery hopes to host more in the future.

Laura Stenning, Deputy Manager at John Bear’s Nursery, said: “Our children and staff love welcoming our older friends into the nursery, it’s a source of such joy. Some of our visitors have been on more than one occasion and it’s wonderful to see how much the children delight in them being here, happily chatting and playing alongside them.

“Having Jamie Payne visit at the same time, provided a wonderful opportunity to develop the children’s learning further through reading his books with our guests and drawing pictures of the characters they’d met through Jamie’s stories.”

SPECIAL DAY: Youngsters at John Bear’s Nursery enjoyed spending time with senior citizens at a local author. Pictures: JO HUTTLEY