Let’s Celebrate National Columnists Day

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As you prepare your activity calendars for April, don’t forget National Columnists Day! On April 18, we honor everyone who researches and writes newspaper columns. Check out these fun activities and please feel free to add your suggestions in the comment section.

Reminisce

Many of your residents come from a generation that relied heavily on newspapers to keep up with what was going on in their community and around the world. There are numerous questions you can ask to trigger memories:

1. Did any of your residents deliver newspapers to earn extra money?
2. What was their favorite comic strip in the Sunday paper?
3. How much did a newspaper cost when they were growing up?
4. Which major news headlines stand out in their minds?
5. Were any of your residents ever featured in a newspaper article?
6. Did any of them ever get their name listed in the local paper for speeding while driving?
7. How have newspapers changed over the years?
8. Do they remember when ads in newspapers were drawings instead of photographs?
9. Does a particular newspaper ad stand out in their minds?
10. What are some uses for newspapers after they’ve been read?

Host a guest speaker

• Find a newspaper columnist who will enjoy telling your residents about their favorite story assignments.
• Ask a librarian to tell stories about discoveries made by people while researching old newspapers.
• Invite a journalism instructor to talk about the history of newspaper journalism and the enormous changes they’ve seen over the years.
• Ask someone from a newspaper printing company to share how the printing process works. Better yet, go on an outing so residents can see the process in person.
• Invite someone from a recycling center to talk about the many uses for recycled newspapers. It’s amazing how many common products contain old newspapers.

Enjoy a snack

• April 18 also happens to be National Animal Cracker Day. Treat your residents to a snack of those little animal-shaped crackers they remember from their childhood. (Animal crackers are delicious with a tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.)

Have fun with craft projects 

• I love to do craft projects with newspapers because the possibilities are endless. It’s a good way to recycle newspapers, too! Check out these craft ideas from the Felt Magnet blog.

Write letters

• Many residents have a favorite newspaper columnist. Provide an opportunity for residents to write a letter to that columnist. It’s always fun to see what they get back as a response.

Have you ever celebrated Columnists Day in your senior living community? Please share your ideas in the comment section!