September 9 is Grandparents Day

Aug. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- To schedule an interview with Alannah Sinclaire, contact:
Jennifer Geronimo (JMGeronimo@aol.com, 619-713-6756)

September 9 is Grandparents Day

Founder and Executive Director Alannah Sinclaire of the San Diego intergenerational nonprofit organization, Oaks & Acorns, celebrates Grandparents Day on September 9th by sharing some activity ideas grandparents and kids can do together.

1.   Arts and Crafts – making bookmarks, greeting cards, placemats, quilts, etc.
2.   Reading - cuddling up and reading stories aloud together - this is one of the easiest, most powerful ways to build a close relationship.
3.   Crossword and jigsaw puzzles – figuring out the words or putting together the pieces without any competition
4.   Tracing each other’s hands - using a pencil, one person traces the other person's left hand onto a large, single sheet of paper. Then reverse. In the end, a little hand and a big hand can appear side-by-side, or the child's hand can appear inside the adult's hand. What do you see?
5.   Exercising – doing simple aerobics in a fun way
6.   Finger-painting – create a wonderful design on a flat service with shaving cream. All you need is water and paper towels to clean it up.
7.   Games – put together a memory bag, “Mother May I?” Family Trivia or Quiz Bowl – remember there are no ‘winners or losers’ – only players!
8.   Hide and Seek - grandparents are asked to "hide" a family keepsake in a "memory bag" and pull it out to tell the story behind it.
9.   Ice-cream and other fun treats – make sure you have all the ingredients before you make at in kitchen at home
10.   Journaling – sharing and recording memories together on lined paper or in a spiral notebook. It doesn’t have to be too fancy/pricey
11.   Keepsake Time – Share a story about a real keepsake you've received from a parent or grandparent, or a keepsake you plan to give a child or grandchild. Make sure you tell the whole story – where it came from, why it was given and when, and what it means.
12.   Meals - prepare a special meal together, it can be as simple as eggs, toast and tea  
13.   Making up a special song or dance – and then you can also perform in front of the rest of the family/friends.
14.   Nature walk – Bring a bag to collect special objects, and don’t forget to wear hats.

“Grandparents are meant for kisses and hugs,
For watching rainbows and catching bugs,
For baking all of your favorite things,
For books to read and songs to sing.”
- Author unknown

Alannah Sinclaire began her first intergenerational community education program while working on her Master’s Degree in Child/Family Development with a minor in Gerontology at Colorado State University in 1975.  She realized the need to bring the oldest and youngest generations together in meaningful, structured and supportive experiences. She’s had over 25 years experience in creating curriculum for preschool children, elementary literacy and special education with “learning different-abilities”.  It has been her dream to connect the wisdom and experience of the elders, the “oaks”, with the unbridled enthusiasm and youthful energy of the “acorns” in her life.  Website:  http://www.oaks-acorns.org