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Warm and fuzzy — that’s how the residents of Manor Care felt after watching first grade teacher Judy Albero’s class in a play, A Class That Cares A lot.

The students traveled from Tommie Barfield Elementary on Friday morning to Manor Care at Lely Palms in East Naples to perform for senior residents.

The play teaches the students about the three Rs at Tommie Barfield Elementary: Responsibility, Respect and being a good Role Model.

The students performed three “Off Broadway” performances at school before going to Manor Care.

Not only did the students perform, they wrote the second act of the play and made the set. Each child had a part — some playing the role of the Care Bears, while others were students. Walfre Recinos Rivas even got to play the part of a teacher.

Judy Albero, a three-time Collier County Teacher of Distinction, has had previous classes perform the play.

“I’ve done this play with first through third graders,” Albero said. “It always amazes me how the first graders rise to the occasion. The idea came from my love of the Care Bears, and how they teach kindness and caring.”

Albero has led her classes in writing the second act of the play, about life skills, for eight years.

“This learning activity integrates language skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking with the art of role playing and dramatic play,” Albero said.

The students, who are second language learners, have greatly benefited from this type of learning.

“They are proud of themselves, and I am proud of them,” said Albero. “I just love my work.”

The residents of Manor Care love her work as well.

After their performance, the students mingled with the residents. The first graders then presented cards, which they had made, to the seniors.

Bessie, 88, was thrilled with the visit.

“I think the kids are wonderful,” she said. “I really enjoyed watching them. They’re very cute. They act like themselves and that’s what’s so beautiful about them.”

Elaine, 65, said, “I’m glad I saw the play. “They were excellent for their age. I have grandsons about their age.”

Mary, 88, thought the kids were sweet.

“The kids are so innocent,” she said. “I hope they stay that way. They learned their lines better than I would have. They’re real nice kids.”

Viola, 83, said, “I think these kids are very smart, and very sweet. I just love children.”

The kids were equally as thrilled to be in the company of the seniors.

“I think they liked our play,” said Jason Lang, 7. “And I think they liked the cards we made for them. I think they thought we were cute. One lady said I looked cute in my costume. I had a good time going to Manor Care.”

Genesis English, 7, also was happy to visit Manor Care.

“They really liked it,” she said. “This is the first time for me to be in a play. I would like to do it again. They liked our songs, and I did too.”

Xhorxhi Pengo also enjoyed his experience.

“I liked being in the play because I liked performing it for the senior citizens,” he said. “I think they really liked the songs. Everyone clapped after we were done.”

Albero said, “We are thankful that our principal, Dr. (Jory) Westberry, let us do this play. The kids told me that they would remember the play forever.”