Spark … An Intergenerational Connection

What happens when 70 3rd graders and 70 Vashon elders become pen pals? A magical connection.

Click on the images below to hear each student/artist speak to the inspiration behind their drawing.

After corresponding the old-fashioned way all winter, students and elders met this spring for the first time, each teaching the other something they chose together through their correspondence.

This was part of Action Network, the 3rd grade social studies unit where students chose a topic of interest that they feel is affecting us here on Vashon. This winter they were taught by 8 expert guest lecturers from:

● Vashon Senior Center

● Visiting Angels

● SilverKite

● UW School of Social Work

● Age Friendly Seattle

● Kindness Creators Intergenerational Preschool

● Bridge Meadows

● A panel of Vashon elders, moderated by Mike Kirk

The culmination was an Artist in Residence project grant through VCA’s Vashon Artists in Schools with Vashon photographer Dawn Stief. Student and elder portraits were displayed in Pop Pop Bottle Shop and hosted in “movie trailer” format at the Vashon Theater–huge thanks to both island businesses for sharing this wonderful project with the Vashon community. And to all of our VAIS sponsors for making these artist residencies possible.

This program was so powerful for all involved it will be the new 3rd Grade Program!