“I never seen my great grandpa — I seen some old people in Minnesota.”
Brandon, age four
Abstract
Bringing together groups of preschoolers with older people is a concept that is gaining in popularity. Commonly referred to asintergenerational, these experiences — when carefully planned — have been shown to provide children with positive experiences. More specifically, the National Council on Aging defines intergenerational programs as “planned activities that increase cooperation and exchange between any two generations for their mutual benefit.”
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dellman-Jenkins, M., Lambert, D., & Fruit, D. (1986). Old and young together: Effect of an educational program on preschoolers' attitudes toward older people.Childhood Education, 62 (3), 206–212.
Jantz, R., Seefeldt, C., Galper, A., & Serock, K. (1976).The CATE: Children's attitudes toward the elderly. College Park University of Maryland, College of Education. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 181 081.)
Ludtke, M. (1990, April 16). Getting young and old together,Time, p. 84.
McDuffie, W., & Whiteman, S. (Eds.). (1989).Intergenerational activities program handbook (3rd. ed.). Binghamton, NY: Broome County Child Development Council.
Newman, S. (1986).Creating effective intergenerational programs (Report No. 01-86-106). Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh, Generations Together.
Additional information
Alfred James is Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education, Department of Education, Washburn University, Topeka, KS. Kathy Leon is Director of Menninger Child Care Center, Menninger, Topeka, KS.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
James, A., Leon, K. Intergenerational programs for young children: Organizational procedures. Early Childhood Educ J 19, 9–13 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01617075
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01617075