Discusses the use of literature clusters (8 to 12 children's books on a particular topic) to enhance learning and instruction. Concludes that the process of developing a literature cluster on intergenerational relationships will result in a cluster that expresses both the participants' experiences and their understanding of the intended audience.…

This directory provides brief descriptions, addresses, and contact people for 6 learning partners, reading sites, 143 other literacy services, and 13 federal agencies that serve children and their families through READ*WRITE*NOW! (a year-round intergenerational program) and other literacy efforts. The directory provides the names of national…

Intergenerational programs designed to increase cooperation, interaction, and exchange of ideas between Owen-Withee Elementary School students and older residents of the Clark County Health Care Center (Wisconsin) are described in this collection of information and activity sheets. Activities such as a grandparents' day and a pen pal program are…

A weeklong module of aging appreciation activities, including interactions with older adults, was implemented in five elementary classrooms. Results showed some change in children's perceptions of aging, elders' characteristics, and activity involvement with elders. Findings were not consistent across classrooms. (SK)

Considers how a spiritual connection across age differences affects literacy education. Notes that the Bible is foremost among the texts adult basic literacy students want to read. Claims that being students of stories of faith and religion does not mean that educators become proselytizers or that they ignore the difference between public and…

The SMILES (Senior Motivators in Learning and Educational Services) program was initiated in 1977 by Salt Lake City School Volunteers, Inc., a nonprofit organization working with the Salt Lake City School District, as an addition to an established, successful school volunteer program. The purpose of the SMILES program is to recruit and train older…

Discusses the benefits for both schools and senior citizens of programs that actively involve senior citizen volunteers in the schools and briefly outlines some of the beneficial effects of the experimental Teaching-Learning Communities program in the Ann Arbor (Michigan) schools. Available from Association for Supervision and Curriculum…

Describes a pilot program in which first, third, and fourth grade students were brought together with nursing home residents to help the children gain a more accepting attitude toward aging and to cheer up the lives of the elderly. (MG)

A North Carolina elementary school collaborates with the local senior center in a program called "Grandpals." Group functions, an oral history class, and a pen pal program are among the mutual education activities. Resources to link senior citizens and school children are listed. (MLF)

Debate is an activity which can help young children learn to be part of a team without experiencing the intense competition that is present in athletics. For children, a focus on developing communication skills rather than on competition in debate can help foster attitudes of open-mindedness, fairness, and tolerance for the viewpoints of others.…

Describes a "grandparent" program of senior citizen volunteers (N=15) designed to provide elementary school children (N=140) access to caring, supportive senior citizens and to provide opportunities for older adults to engage in meaningful activities in school setting. Results of a program evaluation support the value of the volunteer program for…

Describes an intergenerational, interdisciplinary program for older adults and middle school students. Reviews program goals and benefits to both groups. (ABB)

Pre/posttest results from 282 elementary students who interacted with older adults and observations by teachers and elders revealed changes in attitudes and awareness about aging. In stage 2, preservice teachers and older adults worked together in elementary schools. A model for sustainable lifespan curriculum involving elementary schools, teacher…

Describes how using writers' workshop with mixed groups of elderly and children has benefits for all parties. Describes one intergenerational program bringing together elders from a writing group at a local community center with elementary school children. Discusses initial reasons for the project, shares some activities, and presents some things…

Based on years of experience with intergenerational correspondence at the "Senior Partners Network," this book is designed to help grandparents (and grandchildren) to find the right topics for correspondence, all laid out in clear steps. The book also offers sample letters, cards, and e-mail messages, and provides dozens of themes. The…