I like things that bring people together, that promote understanding, that support relationship building, and that makes the world a better place. Join Hands Day – May 4, 2013 – is that kind of day.

The American Fraternal Alliance has a resource guide filled with ideas. I can’t resist adding some hand songs to such a special day. Consider these:

• Clap Your Hands – They Might Be Giants (Young children enjoy this one)
• Hand Jive (lots of fun for getting all generations moving)
• Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand (an easy one for intergenerational groups to sing)
• Hold My Hand – Hootie and the Blowfish (sing or discuss the lyrics)
• Second Hand Rose (Older generations may recall this one. Perfect for discussing pros and cons of second-hand items)
• The Hands of Time/Brian’s Song (boomers will remember the movie and the tune)
• I Wanna Hold Your Hand – Beatles
• Lovely Hula Hands (More fun and exercise)
• Hands Up – Ottawan (The group may only know the refrain so sing it and pass items or dance to the verses)

Want more ideas for intergenerational programs?

Become a Intergenerational member of Session Cafe. You’ll have access to over 30 time-tested intergenerational session plans to mix and match for your own groups of preschoolers and older adults. New session materials will be added approximately every two months.

You’ll also have access to our series “Cooking-up an IG Group” and support materials (sample proposal, sample parent letter, etc.) to help speed your preparation.

I leave you with a reminder.

We all have difficult times in life when a hand, a hug is a strong reminder that better times are coming. The lyrics of this Steven Curtis Chapman song are a perfect reminder of that. 

What ideas do you have for celebrating Join Hands Day?