Intergenerational volunteerism is a global phenomenon that aids multiple generations. Considering the positive evidence of volunteering among older adults and their desire for engagement with children, it is important to explore older adult volunteers' experiences in intergenerational programs with a specific focus on the cultural and social…

What should grandparents be expected to learn in longevity societies experiencing rapid social transformation? Grounded theory was initially applied to identify assumptions, goals and curriculum. The Grandparent Strengths and Needs Inventory was developed to record the observations of grandparent attitudes and behaviours as seen by grandparents,…

This article aims to address the practical question of whether there is educational value to embedding second-language (L2) learning experiences in intergenerational contexts. In particular, a case study was conducted of a novel, university-based ESL program in Hong Kong in which a group of older adult volunteers with a high level of English…

The Experience Corps[R], a community-based intergenerational program, was developed to promote the health of older adults while simultaneously addressing unmet social and academic needs in public elementary schools. The model was designed to draw on, and potentially activate, the wisdom of older adults. This paper explores the nature of…

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…

Describes an innovative intergenerational pilot project, Team Work, in Northern Virginia in which older adult volunteers help disabled young people progress toward secure competitive employment. (BB)

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 9-month intergenerational program designed to establish a more intimate involvement between a group of 25 fourth graders and 25 elderly volunteers from Senior Neighbors, a multipurpose senior citizens center. Presents the format used to organize the project and identifies ongoing activities and program benefits. (Author/PVV)

Describes an Adopt-a-Grandparent program involving seventh-grade students and area senior citizens. Describes aspects of program implementation and organization, including advance preparation, contacting and meeting grandparents, funding, and visits. Discusses program outcomes, including behavioral observations, studies related to…

This document reports on the effects of an integenerational program which was conducted to involve senior citizen volunteers with preschool children in a university day care setting. The primary emphases of the project were to enhance the children's reading readiness and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between seniors and children.…

A large portion of the general public, including senior citizens, feels disconnected from local schools. Some seniors see little reason to support tax increases to provide public education's programs and services. Highland Park Learning Center, in Roanoke City, Virginia, has brought retirees back with an innovative program that teaches basic…

Developed by the Gulf Coast Jewish Family Service, this handbook describes the Adopt-a-Grandchild Program, which matches older volunteers with children in need of adult guidance. The handbook is divided into the following sections: (1) program description; (2) guidelines for professional volunteers; (3) a job description for volunteers; (4)…

The Mechanicsburg Area (Pennsylvania) Phone Pal Program is a telephone reassurance program in which an older volunteer calls a child who is home alone before or after school. Calls are made at the same time each day. These daily calls provide both younger and older persons with a safety verification, in addition to fellowship. Phone Pal is…

This coordinator's handbook describes the "Rockin' Readers" program, in which senior-citizen volunteers are matched with specifically targeted at-risk children (usually of kindergarten age or slightly older) in Alachua County, Florida, who tested below their peer group in language development and reading readiness skills. The handbook…

Chapter 1 of this document introduces AgeLink, a 5-year model intergenerational child care project for school-age children. The project implemented after-school services that linked children with volunteer older adults in 17 western North Carolina counties. Ten sites participated in the project between 1984 and 1989, and 11 sites currently have…