How do you train your Dragon! Ask the children from Benson Primary School.
After a long-awaited wait due to the pandemic, the day finally arrived for a special visit at Benson House, where our residents eagerly awaited the arrival of eight children from Benson Primary School. The Head Teacher and Assistant brought along the children, aged 8-9, to engage with our residents and share their latest school project on the fascinating world of Vikings.
The school project focused on the Vikings, a historical era the children had been studying passionately. Each pupil carried a book titled "How to train your Dragon!" which delved into the mythical realm of these legendary creatures. The children educated our residents about the Viking civilization, which thrived around 800-1050 AD, approximately a millennium ago. They revealed that dragons held significant symbolism for the Vikings, instilling fear in their enemies. The prow of the Viking longships often boasted the head of a mythical dragon, believed to provide protection against sea monsters, inclement weather, and enemy raids.
Initially, a little shy, the children soon blossomed with enthusiasm as they read their stories to our captivated residents. They eagerly answered questions about their newfound knowledge. During the visit, one young girl proudly displayed a handmade longboat, while another showcased a meticulously drawn map illustrating the Vikings' dwelling places in Scandinavia.
One of our residents expressed their admiration, saying, "You are all incredibly clever to complete such a wonderful and interesting project. I have learned so much from you all." Meanwhile, one young boy shared his transformation, saying, "I was slightly afraid before I came to visit, but now I don't want to leave. That was really fun!"
Witnessing the heart-warming interaction between the young and old was a sight to behold. The atmosphere exuded joy as the generations bonded and relished each other's company.
The visit concluded with a delightful gathering where our resident’s savoured tea, coffee, and scrumptious homemade cakes prepared especially for this occasion by our talented chef. The morning proved to be a resounding success, leaving our Activities Coordinator, Caroline, inspired to arrange another visit soon. Furthermore, we have been invited to attend a school assembly, fostering a remarkable relationship within our Benson Community that we will nurture and treasure.
This intergenerational connection and the belief in the importance of such activities define Caring Homes, as we continually seek ways to enrich the lives of our residents by fostering connections with the wider community.
