In-school bowling can bring generations together

Intergenerational Bowling Program Plan

"Strikes Across Generations"

Program Overview

The Strikes Across Generations program is designed to bring senior citizens from local retirement communities, assisted living facilities, senior centers, or community organizations into elementary schools to participate in the Bowler's Ed In-School Bowling Program. The goal is to build meaningful relationships between generations while promoting physical activity, social-emotional learning, teamwork, and lifelong wellness.

Program Goals

• Encourage positive relationships between students and older adults.

• Promote respect and appreciation for older generations.

• Increase physical activity for both students and seniors.

• Improve communication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

• Reduce social isolation among senior participants.

• Teach bowling skills through cooperative learning.

• Strengthen community partnerships with local organizations.

Participants

• Elementary students (Grades K–5)

• Senior citizens (ages 60+)

• Physical Education teacher

• Classroom teachers

• Parent volunteers (optional)

• Community volunteers

Community Partners

Potential partners include:

• Local senior centers

• Retirement communities

• Assisted living facilities

• Parks and Recreation departments

• Bowling leagues and bowling associations

• Volunteer organizations

• Faith-based organizations

Program Schedule

Frequency: Once each month or once each grading period

Length: 60–75 minutes

Sample Agenda

Welcome (10 minutes)

• Student greeters welcome senior guests.

• Name tags are distributed.

• Icebreaker questions help participants get acquainted.

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Gentle stretching

• Bowling movement practice

• Safety review

Bowling Stations (35–40 minutes)
Students and seniors rotate through stations together:

• Bowling technique

• Accuracy challenges

• Team games

• Strike and spare contests

• Cooperative scoring activities

Each senior is paired with two or three students to encourage conversation and teamwork.

Reflection (10–15 minutes)
Participants discuss:

• What they learned

• Favorite moments

• Acts of kindness they observed

• Teamwork successes

Students may present thank-you cards or drawings to the senior guests.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Demonstrate proper bowling techniques.

• Practice teamwork and communication.

• Develop empathy and respect for older adults.

• Build confidence through cooperative activities.

• Improve social skills and sportsmanship.

Benefits for Senior Participants

• Increased physical movement

• Opportunities for social interaction

• Improved emotional well-being

• Sense of purpose through mentoring

• Positive engagement with younger generations

Benefits for the School

• Supports Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Builds positive school climate

• Encourages community involvement

• Creates authentic service-learning opportunities

• Strengthens family and community partnerships

Safety Considerations

• Ensure all bowling equipment is age-appropriate and lightweight.

• Provide chairs for seniors during rest periods.

• Keep walkways clear of equipment.

• Offer water breaks throughout the activity.

• Have school staff and volunteers available to assist participants.

• Follow school visitor and emergency procedures.

Materials Needed

• Bowler's Ed In-School Bowling equipment

• Bowling score sheets

• Name tags

• Pencils

• Chairs

• Water station

• Certificates of participation

• Thank-you cards made by students

Evaluation

Program success can be measured through:

• Student reflection journals

• Teacher observations

• Senior participant surveys

• Attendance records

• Feedback from community partners

• Student demonstrations of teamwork and sportsmanship

Program Extension Activities

• Students interview senior bowlers about their experiences.

• Create a "Bowling Buddies" bulletin board with photos and reflections.

• Invite seniors to an end-of-year bowling celebration.

• Organize a community bowling day at a local bowling center.

• Write letters of appreciation to participating seniors.

Expected Outcomes

By participating in this intergenerational bowling program, students will develop stronger social skills, empathy, and respect for older adults while improving their bowling abilities. Senior participants will experience increased social engagement, physical activity, and meaningful connections with young learners. Together, both generations will create lasting relationships that promote wellness, inclusion, and a positive school community.