Grandparents' Day Activity Ideas-Building Intergenerational Connections in ECEC
Grandparents’ Day provides an unparalleled opportunity to foster intergenerational connections that benefit children of all ages—starting from babies, right through to school-aged children. Each stage of childhood has its unique set of developmental milestones, and the activities we’ve crafted specifically address these diverse needs, ensuring a well-rounded experience for every young learner.
Grandparents’ Day, celebrated on the last Sunday of October, holds a special place in our hearts. This day allows us to shower our grandparents/special people with the gratitude and love they so richly deserve. Beyond the family circle, it’s a moment for the wider community to acknowledge the invaluable contributions that grandparents make to society. Their wisdom, traditions, and lifelong experiences enrich our cultural tapestry, making this day not just a family celebration, but a community-wide event of thanks and recognition. All of the activities below can be for Grandparents or special people in children’s lives.
Below is a sample of some of the activities you will find in our Grandparents Day activity and Learning Story pack.
Reggio-Inspired Activity: “Memory Lane Art Wall”
Birth to 3 Years
“Grandparents’ Photo Mosaic”
Materials:
Photos of grandparents
Glue
Cardstock or heavy paper
Instructions: Cut up photos of grandparents into smaller pieces. Help children to glue the pieces onto cardstock to create a mosaic image.
EYLF: Outcome 1.4 - Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
Analysis of Learning: Creating art from the photos encourages tactile exploration and promotes emotional connection with grandparents, while also fostering interpersonal relationships.
3 to 5 Years
“Family Tree Collage”
Materials:
Various natural materials like leaves, twigs, and stones
Photos of family members, including grandparents
Large paper for the background
Instructions: Create a tree shape using natural materials. Attach photos of family
members, including grandparents, as the “leaves” of the tree.
QKLG: Building positive relationships.
Analysis of Learning: The activity allows children to explore their connection to their family and nature, emphasizing the importance of relationships.
5 to 8 Years
“Memory Lane Story Stones”
Materials:
Smooth stones
Paints or markers
Pictures or words that are significant to the child’s memories with their grandparents
Instructions: Draw or stick pictures or words on the stones. Use the story stones for
storytelling about memories or experiences with grandparents.
MTOP: Outcome 2.1 - Children and young people develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary as active and informed citizens.
Analysis of Learning: Storytelling using memory stones engages children in reflective thinking and verbal expression while deepening their sense of family and community.
Early Childhood Theorist: Loris Malaguzzi This Reggio-inspired activity aligns with Loris Malaguzzi’s philosophy, emphasizing the child’s capability to construct their own
learning.
Montessori-Inspired Activity: “Grandparents’ Heritage Globe”
Birth to 3 Years
“Soft Globe Play”
Materials:
Soft globe or ball
Photos of countries or places of origin related to grandparents
Instructions: Attach photos to the soft globe. During tummy time, allow the child to explore the globe.
EYLF: Outcome 2.1 - Children develop a sense of connectedness to groups and communities.
Analysis of Learning: Introduces young children to the concept of heritage and geography in a tactile way.
3 to 5 Years
“Heritage Flags”
Materials:
Small flags representing grandparents’ countries or cultures
Globe or world map
Instructions: Identify the countries or cultures on the globe or world map. Place the
corresponding flag next to it.
QKLG: Showing respect for diversity.
Analysis of Learning: The activity fosters an understanding and respect for cultural diversity through hands-on exploration.
5 to 8 Years
“Family Heritage Book”
Materials:
Notebook
Pictures, facts, or stories related to grandparents’ heritage
Instructions: Create a scrapbook or journal focusing on the countries, traditions, and
stories from grandparents. Encourage children to present the book to their grandparents as a gift.
MTOP: Outcome 1.4 - Children and young people learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
Analysis of Learning: Creating a heritage book allows older children to delve deeply into family history and cultural diversity while promoting empathy and respect.
Early Childhood Theorist: Maria Montessori This Montessori-inspired activity aligns with Maria Montessori’s philosophy, emphasizing self-directed, hands-on learning for holistic development.
Montessori-Inspired Activity: “Grandparents’ Day Heritage Mat”
Birth to 3 Years
“Family Colour Mat”
Materials:
→ Large sheet of fabric
→Fabric markers or paints
Instructions: With the help of grandparents, let the child create handprints or footprints on the fabric. Grandparents can also add theirs.
EYLF Outcome: Outcome 2.1 - Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation.
Analysis of Learning: This activity enhances the child’s sense of belonging and community by involving them in a family project.
3 to 5 Years
“Time Capsule Nature Mat with Grandparents”
Materials:
→ Large paper mat
→ Nature items like leaves, twigs, flowers
→ Photos or drawings of grandparents or items that remind the child of time or older generations
Instructions: Invite grandparents to take a nature walk with the child to collect natural items. Arrange the natural items along with the photos or drawings on the mat to create patterns or shapes. Discuss the items, the patterns, and what each element represents in terms of time, memory, or family history.
QKLG: Building positive relationships and connecting to my world.
Analysis of Learning: By engaging in this activity with their grandparents, children are encouraged to think about the cyclical patterns of life and the passage of time. The activity also fosters intergenerational dialogue and bonding, helping children to understand their place in the larger context of family and history.
5 to 8 Years
“Ancestor Story Mat”
Materials:
→ Large sheet of paper
→ Markers or crayons
Instructions: Draw or write stories or facts about grandparents and ancestors on the mat. Share these with the family.
MTOP Outcome: Outcome 1.4 - Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect.
Analysis of Learning: Children learn the value of their heritage and the importance of respecting and caring for older generations.
Early Childhood Theorist: Maria Montessori This Montessori activity aligns with Montessori’s principles of self-directed, experiential learning and is designed to encourage children to explore and appreciate their family heritage.
Montessori-Inspired Activity: “Grandparents’ Kitchen”
Birth to 3 Years
“Sensory Spice Jars”
Materials:
Small jars
Different spices related to grandparents’ cooking
Instructions: Fill small jars with different spices. Allow the child to smell the spices during sensory play.
EYLF: Outcome 3.2 - Children become strong in their physical learning and well-being.
Analysis of Learning: The sensory experience of smelling spices fosters physical awareness and a connection to family traditions.
3 to 5 Years
“Food Matching Cards”
Materials:
Cards with pictures of foods common in grandparents’ cooking
Real or toy versions of these foods
Instructions: Match the cards with the actual food items or toy versions. Discuss the
significance of each food in family traditions.
QKLG: Building a confident self-identity.
Analysis of Learning: Matching activities are great for cognitive development and reinforcing cultural identity through family traditions.
5 to 8 Years
“Cooking with Grandparents”
Materials:
Simple recipe from grandparents
Cooking utensils and ingredients
Instructions: Follow a simple recipe provided by grandparents. Cook the dish either with grandparents or as a tribute to them.
MTOP: Outcome 4.1 - Children and young people develop a growth mindset and learning dispositions such as curiosity, cooperation, and persistence.
Analysis of Learning: Cooking provides a hands-on learning experience, fostering skills like cooperation, following directions, and cultural appreciation.
Early Childhood Theorist: Maria Montessori This Montessori-inspired activity aligns with Maria Montessori’s philosophy, focusing on real-world, practical skills and cultural
appreciation.
This is just a few of the activities we have in our Grandparents Activity and Learning Story pack:
Includes a huge collection of activity ideas for Grandparents day, broken into age groups, with NQF links, analysis of learning and more.
Keepsakes for Grandma and Grandad as well as poems you can personalise.
A collection of learning story pages to document the learning form the activities and include in your learning journals or online learning platforms.
View this pack here full of ideas you can use for Grandparents day or any time throughout the year for activities to support Building Intergenerational Connections NQS Element 6.2.1 - “Supportive relationships with families and communities are promoted,”
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