Bridging generations with Sesame Street inspired 3G Mentoring at 211 Ainslie
Older adults, four-year olds, and teens met for their last day of the 3G Mentoring (3G) intergenerational workshop on April 10. There was fun, laughter, pizza, fresh berries, creative play with clay, conversation, and hugs shared among the three generations. The two older generations felt a twinge of melancholy at saying goodbye, and some tears were shed. Although, for the youngest and the oldest, that goodbye may be temporary as the seniors occupy the first floor and the four-year olds are on the second floor of 211 Ainslie Street. There’s bound to be some now-and-then reunions.
This was the second time 3G brought their intergenerational workshop to 211 Ainslie Street, the home to Swinging Sixties Older Adult Center and Small World Early Childhood Center. This ongoing experiment in building intergenerational connections was created by members of the Sesame Workshop Alumni Network. Teens working with St. Nicks Alliance at Grand Street Campus, Small World tots, and Swinging Sixties 60+-year olds enjoyed this two-month exercise so much last year that they happily signed up for it this year.
The process is this: one teen, one senior, and one preschooler form a triad. The triads are matched according to application responses and availability. They share their life experience and all watch short playful video clips of Sesame Street to spark conversation. The older adults mentor the teens and the teens mentor the little kids for one hour each week for eight weeks. While respecting the chain of mentorship all three ages interact and bond with one another. The goal is to build relationships through Cookie Monster’s 5 Cs: communication, creativity, confidence building, connection, and collaboration.
One could see the respect and friendship that had evolved after two months. All got certificates and gifts geared to their generation. Some of the teens and older adults spoke about how rewarding the experience was and how they’ll miss not seeing their group next week.
A visit from Elmo and Cookie Monster was a highlight.
The Greenline 