Shuan Butcher is director of the Center for Youth as Resources in Washington, DC, a national organization that connects youth to their communities through local Youth as Resources (YAR) programs, which engage youth as problem solvers, partners, and stakeholders in positive community change. In YAR, young people and adults work together as equal…

Surveyed 88 female participants of community-based age-integrated water exercise program designed to enhance comfort and social interaction. Affective measures and observation of membership as a support group elicited few differences by age. Members endorsed having age integration in classes and there was little indication that subgroups of…

This book documents examples of intergenerational learning, reflecting a wide range of approaches and goals. It describes a literacy enhancement project in which senior citizens work with elementary students, an intergenerational orchestra whose members range in age from 6 to 88, an intergenerational living history theater project, and an…

The intergenerational field began in the early 1970s as a social phenomenon in response to several factors that were affecting America's children, youth, and older adults. This paper briefly surveys three aspects of intergenerational programs: history and development, public policy focus, and recent research initiatives. The multi-disciplinary…

Argues that shared play experiences are a good way to build mutually beneficial relationships among older and younger generations. Outlines why intergenerational play is important, focusing on its cognitive, social, physical, and emotional benefits for both older adults and young children. Describes toys, materials, and games conducive to positive…

Describes how students listen to the stories of a retirement home and write tribute songs based on the stories. Notes that because students are accustomed to a classroom life of telling stories and listening to stories, it is easy for them to enter into the story-worlds of their elders, to connect with words and to piece together stories. (SG)

Study finds that the transition of grandchildren to higher education improves the quality of the grandparent-grandchild relationship. For grandparent mentoring, there is evidence of a generational stake, with grandparents overestimating their mentoring role during this transition. Findings indicate that the intergenerational literature can be…

Designed program for preschoolers and elders to promote sharing, cooperating, and helping behaviors in children. Used contact with natural grandparents in preschool, regular elderly volunteers in preschool, competent elderly visitors, contact with less able elders in nursing home, and classroom activities about older adults. Program resulted in…

Linking older people and school children provides benefits for both groups. Describes intergenerational education programs and lists resources to help school districts obtain information on model programs and apply for funding. (MLF)

Guidelines for using grandparents as school volunteers include the following: identify specific tasks and volunteer interests, provide inservice training, let volunteers choose assignments and schedules, and evaluate and give recognition. Grandparent education councils can provide leadership for their involvement in schools. (SK)

In an applied communication course in a Boise (Idaho) high school, at-risk students participate in exchanges with a senior citizens' center, learn about work force readiness, and work with developmentally disabled children. (SK)

Responding to the needs of estranged youth, a group of Benjamin Tasker Middle School teachers created the Thoughtful Pedagogy Model. The program allows adolescents to reconstruct images of the adult world through self-exploration; participate in field trips, assembly programs, and adult/adolescent bonding activities; and experience the love and…

Schools are discovering a wealth of experience and expertise available in their communities' senior populations. The graying of America guarantees older adults' continuing availability as a volunteer force. This article provides advice on developing intergenerational and outreach programs, stressing recruitment strategies and benefits of senior…

Points out that there are fewer adults in families and that schools are unused before and after classes. Suggests that older adults can provide some support for school-aged children who would normally go home to an empty house. (JOW)

Suggests many ways in which to connect with the elderly community. Notes that such connections are based on mutual needs. Describes several instances where elderly people were able to connect and contribute to the education of the younger community. (SG)