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ERIC Number: EJ945681
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 7
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1068-6177
EISSN: N/A
What Age Gap? Building Intergenerational Relationships
Davidson, Stephanie R.; Boals-Gilbert, Beverly
Dimensions of Early Childhood, v38 n2 p23-29 Spr-Sum 2010
Few people are willing to admit that senior adults and young children share many common characteristics, including: (1) changes in development; (2) need for companionship; and (3) the desire to be understood. These two groups are connected mostly through direct interaction with middle-aged adults. One very practical way to build a greater sense of community--and reach people across the human age span--is to develop and become active in intergenerational programs. Intergenerational programming has been defined as the purposeful bringing together of different generations in ongoing mutually beneficial activities designed to achieve specified program goals. Intergenerational programs can successfully bridge the perceived generation gap between the young and the young at heart. These programs enhance the lives of both young children and senior adults by providing unique opportunities to celebrate diversity and develop more culturally conscious and sensitive citizens. How can early childhood leaders work for more caring communities? This article outlines the potential of building reciprocal relationships among the young and the young at heart. (Contains 8 online resources.)
Southern Early Childhood Association. P.O. Box 55930, Little Rock, AR 72215. Tel: 800-305-7322; Fax: 501-227-5297; e-mail: info@southernearlychildhood.org; Web site: http://www.southernearlychildhood.org/publications.php
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A