Each year, the Thomas More Institute develops and delivers an original 18-week discussion course designed specifically for seniors. Led by volunteers trained in TMI’s approach to discussion, the course is offered on-site at various residences and senior’s centres in the Greater Montreal area. The goal of the TMI’s Seniors Outreach Program is to foster socialization and intellectual reflection by creating a welcoming environment in which participating seniors can engage with selected readings and with one another.
Seniors Outreach Course for Fall 2023:
From Potter to Potter and Grimm to Disney: Exploring the Relationship Between Children’s Literature and Childhood
We all have memories associated with childhood, moments which shape our identity. Many of us remember being read to or reading to our children and grandchildren. This reading often involved stories, folk tales, or family anecdotes. But what is the relationship between stories and our younger years?
Throughout this course we will study the development of children’s literature and the importance of reading to children. We will ponder the following questions: When did the modern notion of childhood first develop? Does children’s literature present an authentic representation of childhood? How does children’s literature reflect the times in which it was written? How do the characters conform to preconceived notions and stereotypes?
We will also look at fairy tales and folk tales and discuss their role in a child’s development. What value do they have for the child and more importantly, what do they teach the parents or grandparents reading them? How do they help form bonds between generations while also appealing to a sense of wonder on children?
Join us for an exploration of what it means to be a child.
Click on a location below for information on how to register.
For more information, please contact Seniors Program Coordinator Jennifer MacGregor directly at jmacgregor@thomasmore.qc.ca or (514) 935-9585.
Registration for 2023-24 Available Now
Click a location near you for more information:
Address: 4695 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W, Westmount
Day/Time: Thursdays. 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
First Session: 12 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Patricia Sikender, Jane Thomson
Address: 666 Woodland, Verdun
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
First Session: 11 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Linda Benguigui, Murray Shugar
Address: 574 Notre-Dame St., St-Lambert
Day/Time: Fridays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
First Session: 13 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Irene Menear, Erika Podesser-Romwalter
Address: 4646 Sherbrooke St. W., Westmount
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
First Session: 11 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Sara Pistolesi
Address: 678 Surrey, Baie-d'Urfé
Day/Time: Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
First Session: 16 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: tbd.
Address: N/A
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
First Session: 10 October 2023
How to Register: Register at this link
Leaders: Kay Palkhivala
Address: 25 rue Lakeview, St-Bruno
Day/Time: Fridays 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
First Session: 13 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Joan Machnik
Address: 4430 Ste-Catherine W., Westmount
Day/Time: Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
First Session: 12 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Sharon Poissant
Address: 6767 Côte St-Luc, Côte St-Luc
Day/Time: Wednesdays 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
First Session: 11 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Kay Dunn
Address: Stephen Shaar Community Centre) 394 Main, Hudson
Day/Time: Tuesdays 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
First Session: 10 October 2023
How to Register: Register at this link
Leaders: Silvia d'Apollonia, Norma Davies
Address: 2901 St. Joseph Blvd, Lachine
Day/Time: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
First Session: 12 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Jennifer MacGregor
Address: 4 Cambria, Gore
Day/Time: Fridays, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
First Session: 13 October 2023
How to Register: Register at this link
Leaders: Kathleen Huggeson, Barbara Radford
Address: 23 Fieldfare Ave., Beaconsfield
Day/Time: Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
First Session: 12 October 2023
How to Register: Register at this link
Leaders: Robin Little, Jennifer MacGregor
Address: 5300 Côte St-Luc, Montreal
Day/Time: Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
First Session: 16 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Ron Fitzgerald, Laura Grunberg
Address: 4800 Cote St Luc Road, Montreal
Day/Time: Fridays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
First Session: 13 October 2023
How to Register: Pay at centre
Leaders: Munirah Amra and Heather Stephens