FORT MYERS, Fla. ( May 26, 2016)
Shell Point Retirement Community recently welcomed 44 students from the Gladiolus Learning and Development (GLAD) Center for a hands-on, educational visit to the Shell Point Butterfly Habitat, located on The Island. The tour coincided with the GLAD Center’s study unit about butterfly lifecycles in late April.
Students listened to a lesson about metamorphosis by Shell Point resident Lynda Freisner, who described the process of cultivating an attractive garden. Children searched for winged insects from the Butterfly Habitat’s shaded observation deck, while referencing photographs of frequently spotted butterflies.
The children also teamed up with residents from the nearby King’s Crown assisted living facility to identify caterpillar species and chrysalises using magnifying glasses.
The GLAD Center students closed out their visit by enjoying sugar-glazed cookies in the shape of a Monarch butterfly and completing a butterfly-themed craft project with King’s Crown residents. “It was rewarding to witness these intergenerational interactions as the children shared stories of how butterflies had hatched in their own classroom,” shared Morgan Clayman, assisted living activities supervisor.
Students learned about metamorphosis from Shell Point resident Lynda Freisner, who provided an educational lesson about a butterfly’s lifecycle during the group’s hands-on visit to the Shell Point Butterfly Habitat in late April. (Kathy Grove/Shell Point Retirement Community)
Children searched for winged insects from the Shell Point Butterfly Habitat’s shaded observation deck. (Kathy Grove/Shell Point Retirement Community)
Shell Point assisted living resident John Eder works with this GLAD student to identify various caterpillar species. (Kathy Grove/Shell Point Retirement Community)
The GLAD Center students closed out their visit by completing a butterfly-themed craft project with King’s Crown residents. (Kathy Grove/Shell Point Retirement Community)
Shell Point assisted living resident Natalie Gudeman listens to GLAD Center students share stories of how butterflies had hatched in their classroom. (Kathy Grove/Shell Point Retirement Community)
Shell Point has partnered with the GLAD Center to facilitate monthly visits for several years. “The interactive programs have forged meaningful, intergenerational bonds between the kids and residents that are mutually beneficial,” said Clayman.
About Shell Point Retirement Community
Shell Point Retirement Community, founded in 1968, is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Florida. Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment. Lifestyle amenities include deep-water boating access with free dockage, a championship 18-hole golf course, and other recreational and educational activities. To learn more, visit www.shellpoint.orgor call 1-800-780-1131.
