Second graders from Lakeview Elementary have had the opportunity to play reporter as part of their social studies class.

Luke Johnson, a second grade social studies teacher at Lakeview Elementary, has been taking his students to Merrill Gardens, a senior living center, to spend time with the residents and get to know those from a different generation. They first visited in January and have made a total of four visits. Johnson said they hope to visit again in June. In addition to playing games with the residents, the students also interview the residents, asking them questions about their life and experiences they’ve had.

Johnson said it’s a way to get social studies out of the classroom and into the real world, where students have the chance to interact with people outside of their age group.

“It’s really been a positive experience for both age groups,” he said. “A lot of their grandparents don’t live nearby. They (residents) have rich experience and love the kids coming and spending time with them. It’s been great.”

In preparation for the visits, the students think of various questions to ask, such as jobs they’ve worked, languages they speak and childhood memories. After the interviews, the students then write up a short biography of the person.