Wauconda students reach out to seniors -- with puppets

It was a puppet show with a purpose.

Sixth-graders from Transfiguration School reached out to senior citizens in a mixture of entertainment, socializing and prayer.

The Catholic school students presented Puppet Tymes for Nursery Rhymes to about 35 residents of Wauconda Health Care and Rehabilitation Thursday. This the 10th year for the program.

Former professional puppeteer and Transfiguration teacher Cherie Maday organizes the annual event. She said there's more to the performance than meets the eye.

At the end of the show, students met with residents and interviewed them about their past. The kids prepared a list of questions, including one asking for the resident's fondest memory. The group also recited the Lord's Prayer in unison.

"This is part of our intergenerational study unit," Maday said. "It's about sharing memories. It's a chance for the residents to look back on better days and recall some treasured moments. You should see the smiles on the residents' faces as they tell their stories. It pulls them out of their isolation."

Students heard stories of weddings, holidays and other family memories.

The puppet show featured the classics: Georgie Porgie, Little Miss Muffet, The Queen of Hearts and The Muffin Man.

Handmade with plenty of pipe cleaners, hot glue and beads, the students created and crafted the characters. Maday said the students spent nearly three months getting ready for the day.

It was also a living history lesson for the students, Maday said.

"When the kids hear the stories, they learn so much," she said. "It's a cultural and history lesson. This is also a way for the students to share their time, talents and treasures."