Retirees Welcomed to Super Senior Event
Harding Middle School welcomed 30 retiree friends back to school this month, as part of the annual ‘Super Senior” interview event.
“This is the culmination of a sixth grade learning unit about the importance of valuing the older members of society,” explained Cindy Smith, teacher. “We read stories in literature and discuss a wide variety of topics from why people retire where they do to the variety of diseases that are associated with aging.”
During the event, student teams interview the visiting seniors to gather more personal information about each guest. Students also had a chance to view some special keepsake items from their guest's childhood, and to ask questions specifically about the differences between school then and now. Students will use the information to facilitate a continuing discussion in the classroom about generational differences and aging.
"The students always come away from this activity with a new and clearer perspective about getting older," explained Smith.