The Pen Pal Project
Old School's inaugural project continues to grow each year. It has been facilitated through an Arts Smarts grant awarded to a local junior high school in 2018, 2019, and 2021. This project enables Claire and Erin to facilitate letter writing along with music, dance, and theatre arts exercises that promote active listening, and empathy-building; while breaking down barriers between generations and allowing students to learn more about the physical and mental challenges of aging.
This year the project created a meaningful connection between 72 students and 41 older adults. continues to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, students, teachers, and recreation directors.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
- Aristotle
Check out CBC's coverage on the original Old School Pen Pal Project:
If you are interested in having your students engage in socio-emotional learning contact us to arrange for the pen pal project in your school!