The
PALS Project: People with Alzheimer's Link with Students
This
project introduced grade six students from Queen Elizabeth
School in Moncton, NB to Alzheimer's disease.
- The
project began with a presentation on Alzheimer's disease
(for which parental consent was obtained).
- Each
student was matched with a resident in a local long-term
care facility according to personal interests and background
information.
- The
students wrote an introductory letter to their "PenPal" in
the fall with an exchange of photos.
- Christmas
cards were exchanged and students visited for some
caroling and a luncheon.
- Valentine's
Day, Saint Patrick's Day and Easter brought more letter/card
exchanges.
- The
project ended with a picnic and final letter exchange.
This
project clearly demystified Alzheimer's disease and the
perception of people with dementias. Also some students
experienced an end of life journey with a PenPal and
his/her family. Others who had already experienced losing
someone to Alzheimer's disease were given an opportunity
to share or discuss personal events from a different
perspective.
Parents
were extremely committed to the project and strongly
supported their children's involvement with the PALS
Project.
We
invited these students to submit writings and
pieces of artwork to Creative Space. We thank
them for sharing their thoughts and feelings here.
Merry
Christmas by Melissa Vienneau, grade six
"Sylvie,
would you like to sing Christmas carols?"
"Yes, certainly."
"Yipee!"
Drawing
by Georgia N. Telman, grade six
Drawing
by L.L. Short, grade six
Art
Gallery Room 1
Art Gallery Room 2
Art
Gallery Room 3
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