One of the most beloved and prolific children’s authors—Robert Munsch, famous for The Paper Bag Princess, Mortimer and Love You Forever—was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. The disease may begin quieting the stories he was born to tell and have brought joy to millions and millions of children all over the world. Upon learning of his diagnosis in a recent New York Times Magazine article, Country Meadows Retirement Communities wants to remind Robert of his lasting impact from the children who have enjoyed his books.
Executive Director of Memory Support Services, Joel Kroft, demonstrates to students how the brain tells the body, like our fingers, how to move.
In recognition of November’s National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Country Meadows’ Executive Director of Memory Support Services, Joel Kroft and Senior Executive Director of Programming, Carol Ditman, visited Ms. MacKay’s third grade class at South Hanover Elementary School in Hershey, Pa., to explain—on their level—the disease that afflicts more than 7 million people (a lot of grandparents!) and share the connection to some of students’ favorite stories.
Through age-appropriate activities, Joel and Carol explored what dementia is and what it does to the brain. During this part of the program, Joel listed seven items for the class to remember. Then he went on to share interesting facts about the brain and how it works. At the end, he returned to the list and asked if students could remember. While some correctly remembered the list, the exercise illustrated how the 8-year-old’s brain works differently than an 80-year-old grandparent’s brain that is filled with more memories.
The class also learned how to capture older loved ones’ stories and ways they can still connect meaningfully with a loved one with memory loss.
Reading is an example of how to spend time quality with a loved one with dementia. The lesson topic transitioned to Mr. Munsch and reading his cherished books. Between the playful characters and heartfelt moments illustrated in his best-selling stories, Robert drew inspiration from classroom visits and often modeled characters and plot lines after the real children he met over the years. He also enjoyed receiving and responding to letters from young fans.
Quoted in the article, he has said “although I have forgotten many things, I can still recall all my stories.” But sadly, he realizes those memories likely will fade with the disease. He doesn’t write much anymore, and unfortunately classroom visits of his own seem to be behind him.
Sample student letters to Mr. Munsch
So to help, the students were invited to write a letter to “Help Robert Remember.” Choosing from specially designed stationery from Country Meadows, they thanked Mr. Munsch for his stories and encouraged him to keep writing.
Sharing messages like “You’re the best author yet!” “I love your books. They make me smile!” “Everything you do matters so much!,” we hope Mr. Munsch feels love and appreciation when the letters and hand-drawn pictures arrive at his home in Canada.
Educating the Community on Dementia and Senior-Care
This classroom visit is part of a larger ongoing effort by Country Meadows to educate the community about dementia and senior-care topics. In addition to classroom sessions, Country Meadows has authored a children’s activity book, Grandma’s Cape, to illustrate how memories change, but love is constant. If you are looking for additional resources to introduce dementia to children, refer to this list of children’s books that educate young readers on dementia in an informative and relatable way.