An intergenerational classroom? Definitely a step in the right direction! [HTML1] Saskatoon's Sherbrooke community is the first to implement the intergenerational classroom in Saskatchewan and I certainly hope they are not the last. It was launched in September 2014. Twenty grade 6 students were accepted into the program - selected from numerous applicants from all over the city. Lead teacher, Keri Albert says “It’s creating an appreciation for the humanity of all ages of people” Both students and seniors are benefitting from the program tremendously. The kids love hearing about things like how transportation has evolved since the senior's younger days and the older generation is learning all about this new-age technology.  Some are even playing online games with the students. Time in this intergenerational classroom is spent interacting and learning and not only in the traditional form of reading, writing and arithmetic. Students are learning general life skills like empathy, compassion and communication. “These children bring so much energy and life and excitement to the elders here,” said Sherbrooke spokesperson Patricia Roe. Jodi Grant, a former professor at the University of Saskatchewan was placed in the long term care home after a vehicle accident long before she was ready to give up teaching. "It's just pure heaven. It's gone from dismal to super invigorating. Prior to iGen, I had to try really hard to keep going." She says as she reads and discusses the contents of the book with the students. This iGen program is helping to foster an appreciation in humanity. I love everything about this program. I hope this is just the beginning and that one day all of our students can benefit from intergenerational classrooms. After all, our seniors hold a lifetime of wisdom and our children are little sponges ready to soak it all in. It's a win win!