This article examines the role of intergenerational relationships in the lives of experienced poets and writers ("soldiers") and emerging poets and writers in what the author terms Participatory Literacy Communities (PLCs). Drawing from Wenger's (1998) concept of communities of practice, the author uses data from two examples of PLCs--Black…

In many cultures, elders are revered within the extended family as a source of wisdom gained from long experience. In Western societies, this role has been marginalised by changes in family structure, and grandparents' significant contribution to children's upbringing often goes unacknowledged. A research study with families of three- to…

This study investigates the learning exchange between three- to six-year-old children and their grandparents, in Sylheti/Bengali-speaking families of Bangladeshi origin and monolingual English-speaking families living in east London. The following concepts from sociocultural theory are applied to this new area of intergenerational learning:…

The author describes the physical and emotional effects of chemical addiction in families on infants and toddlers and suggests that service providers take into account both chemical addictions research and theoretical knowledge of the importance of early parent-infant relationships. Describing a model that incorporates interagency and…

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…

To provide assistance to teachers attempting to implement a thematic, discovery-oriented preschool curriculum under funding conditions preventing a desirable teacher-pupil ratio, a practicum was designed to recruit and train retired senior citizens and involve them as volunteer aides in the preschool program of a church school located in the…

Focusing on the role of information in the planning and managing of intergenerational programs, this paper argues that two types of information--formal/objective and personal/subjective--must be addressed in relation to the problems of aging members of our society. These two types of information are characterized via illustrative stories: the…

This booklet contains information on how to set up a Pen Friends project, a nationwide, intergenerational writing project that pairs a class of junior of senior high school students with a group of older adults in the same community. The booklet notes that participants establish a relationship through letter writing based on visits to a local…

Fourteen students in a therapeutic massage course practiced with elderly clients. Interviews and student journals showed a very positive shift in attitudes toward aging and working with older clients. The kinesthetic experience and the intensity of the interaction influenced the attitude change. (SK)

Three components of an intergenerational program were older volunteers reading to and working with children in school, children exchanging letters and pictures with frail and home-bound elderly, and children's visits to nursing homes and senior centers. A survey of 100 students showed that 89% were very positive about the opportunity to learn…

Accelerating changes in information technology both obstruct the forging of intergenerational communities and offer opportunities to professionals in aging interested in fostering them. Public policy should empower older adults in the same way that schools are being wired. Age and generation cannot be separated from socioeconomic status in…

Analysis of Linking Intergenerational Networks in Communities (LINC), a 5-year collaboration among a university, private agency, and state offices of aging and education, resulted in the following lessons for collaboration: (1) establish individual and collaborative roles and responsibilities; (2) develop effective communication strategy; (3) use…

In an intergenerational service-learning project, occupational therapy interns provided wellness interventions for older adults residing in a community house. Occupational performance measures improved for six of eight clients. Students increased knowledge of wellness planning and programming. The program was consistent with the house's mission of…

Reflects upon the development, implementation and research of specific intergenerational family literacy initiatives in the Anglophone section of New Brunswick. Presents four initiatives and discusses working with the community, working in the neighborhood, and working within a university context. (SG)