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The Intergenerational Parent-Child Mother Goose Program is a community-based initiative that brings together different generations, typically young children and older adults, through the shared experience of oral storytelling, singing, and rhyming.

This intergenerational program aims to foster connections between participants by creating a supportive and interactive environment where children can develop language skills and social awareness while seniors engage in meaningful social interactions. The program is often conducted in group settings such as community centers, libraries, or senior living facilities, providing a structured, yet flexible, approach to learning and relationship-building.

The program is highly valued for its dual benefits: it supports early childhood development while simultaneously reducing isolation and promoting well-being among older adults. 

By creating a space for intergenerational bonding, the program enhances empathy, communication, and understanding across age groups. It also helps preserve cultural heritage through the transmission of traditional stories and songs, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging in the community. The interactive nature of the program, with its focus on oral traditions, encourages active participation, which can lead to improved cognitive and emotional health for both children and seniors.
 

About the Facilitators 

Patricia Asbun has been a dedicated advocate of the Mother Goose Program since 1998, deeply passionate about the power of songs, oral storytelling and the bonding experiences they create. Throughout her involvement, Patricia has taken on a leadership role, serving on the steering committee and mentoring new facilitators for over a decade. She has co-facilitated programs with the district public library and expanded the program by offering sessions in French, Spanish, and Mandarin. Patricia also pioneered the introduction of the Mother Goose Program for toddlers, which later extended to preschoolers. Recently, she introduced the Intergenerational Mother Goose Program, which has been a resounding success from the start. In addition to her hands-on work, Patricia has led numerous workshops, conferences, and training. She contributed to important research studies in collaboration with UBC. 

Susan Lee graduated from Concordia University in Recreation Therapy and has worked in a variety of communities for the past 25 years, with children, youth at risk and older adults. With Vancouver Coastal Health North Shore, the opportunity to work with the Mother Goose intergenerational program presented itself in July 2019 with Patricia Asbun who proposed a 10-week program at Cedarview Lodge co-facilitated by the North Vancouver library. They ran several groups before the pandemic. Growing together, this program has had a profound impact for both families and the residents of Cedarview.

This free workshop will be taking place via Zoom. Participants will be emailed a link to join the session.