TWISTIN TOTS & TWISTIN TINIES

Current research has proven the benefits of mixing elderly residents and young children - from increasing self-esteem and promoting friendships to greater smiles and more conversation for elders. Plus the old and young bring new energy, knowledge and enthusiasm to each others’ lives, building relationships, and helping each person to benefit from the knowledge and attitudes of each other.

Our Twistin Tikes classes will aim to get the young and old working together to have fun using music and a range of songs and chair-based activities – from hunting for bears, to swimming with goldfish, waving ribbons or tapping toes, amongst other musical activities.

The activities will:

 – help older residents to get more active by helping them to use motor skills more effectively

- offer a fun chair-based exercise regime

- allow elderly residents to socialise more

- provide a different and unusual activity which will bring back happy memories for the elderly residents

- introduce them to young children with whom they can interact, watch and share their experiences

- enable them to build relationships and make new friends – giving them more purpose to their lives.

For the younger attendees these sessions will

• help them to develop their speech, language and motor skills
• provide activities to help them to become ‘school ready’ by offering a range of activities that meet EYFS requirements
• help with motor skills development
• develop social skills
• allow them to benefit from the time and attention that the elderly residents can offer them
• offer a free activity for parents
• allow them to help elderly residents to enjoy themselves
• have lots of fun.

Parents of babies are very welcome (the residents love babies!). Families that are Home-Schooling are also very welcome to attend.

Ramps for buggies, Disabled facilities. Breastfeeding welcome. Large free car park.