Yesterday, our Grade 7 class had the opportunity to visit our neighbours at the Centre for Dreams, an adult day program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located at McCowan and Highway 7. This excursion was an extension of March’s Care & Share Day. In addition to collecting money to donate to the Centre for Dreams, Ms. Hoover, one of our vice-principals and Grade 7 teacher, wanted our students to have a tangible and meaningful experience of serving others. It was an opportunity to practice what our students have been learning at Wesley – to be CRISP (Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Servant’s Heart, Perseverance).
Upon arrival, our students were warmly welcomed by Centre for Dreams staff and invited to participate in their “Morning Announcements” routine. This involved a walkthrough of the date, weather, and any news that members wanted to share. Some of the members talked about news such as the Montreal Canadiens continuation to the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, their recent visit with their grandma or even what they had made for dinner the night before. A few of our Grade 7 students also went to the front to share their news about competing in piano or dance competitions! The morning meeting ended with the “Power Punch”, an energetic leader-led chant and response to be positive, take advantage of opportunities given, demonstrate willingness to engage, be eager and show respect.
The rest of the morning at the centre was divided into three activities – learning ASL (American Sign Language), competing in a trivia contest, and completing four life skills activities . Mixed teams of students and centre members went through each station together. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to observe, learn, and engage.
In the Media Room, students participated with members in learning basic American Sign Language to communicate phrases such as hello, name, good bye, etc. They also learned the entire alphabet! At the end of the session, students were able to sign each letter of heir own names!
In the kitchen, students and members divided into three joint teams and competed in answering trivia questions based on facts or photos about the Centre for Dreams and its members. Since the students were new to the centre, they had to work with their Centre for Dreams team mates to get the correct answers. As the session progressed, students and members could be seen giving each other “high fives” for each correct answer.
In between some of the questions, they took a few breaks to play a game that involved pool noodles and balloons. One participant from each team went to the back of the kitchen, and each person had to keep their own ballon from touching the ceiling or the floor, using a pool noodle. While the players participated, the rest of their team cheered and provided encouraging words!
The third station took place at the back of the Centre for Dreams. Students and members had a chance to complete four life skills activities as quickly as possible. They sorted bean bags by colour, stacked plastic cups by colour, divided laundry into three categories – whites, colours and darks, and “shopped” for items using a grocery list. The Wesley students really enjoyed this activity, especially the grocery shopping segment, since it was challenging to find some of the items on the list in the beautifully laid out aisles that resembled a small store!
After the three stations were completed by each group, everyone returned to the kitchen for goodbyes and words of appreciation. The morning passed by quickly. Everyone had fun and many of the students talked about their experiences during the walk back to Wesley.
We are very thankful for the opportunity to visit the Centre for Dreams. We look forward to another chance to learn and share with our new friends and neighbours soon!