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 Family Resource Coalition's (FRC) mission is to build support and resources within communities that strengthen and empower families, enhance the capacities of parents, and foster the optimal development of youth. FRC pursues this mission by: (1) developing a national resource center on family resource programs; (2) advocating on issues that…

Reviews the role and scope of school volunteerism and suggests ways to integrate Retired Senior Volunteer Program participants into school volunteer programs. Concludes that schools need the assistance of volunteers and that elders can benefit from serving in such socially meaningful roles. (Author/ABB)

Examining the trend toward an older U.S. population, this paper discusses why educators and school facility planners should consider designing multipurpose schools that specifically contribute to stronger intergenerational links. Reasons include: ending age segregation, enriching the lives of children and seniors, creating support for public…

Adolescents are under tremendous pressure to conform and sometimes lack bonds with adults beyond their own immediate family. A weekend retreat with adolescent girls and senior women shows the power of intergenerational storytelling as a way to help children learn from their elders' experiences. (GCP)

Notes the importance of elders in various Native American cultures and of drawing on personal memories of special older folks. Stresses the importance and value of contact between the generations. Urges schools to adopt intergenerational programs, citing the remarkable contributions older people can make to the lives of children. (TJQ)

The Senior/Youth Partnership in Sonoma, California, matches older adults as tutors with high school students, teaching vocational and recreational skills and tailoring activities to the goals and needs of individual students. (SK)

Overviews evolving program of interdisciplinary, multimethod research concerned with intergenerational communication. Concludes from studies that young people process and respond to speech of older people in stereotypical ways. Uses lifespan and intercultural perspectives to argue that communicative patterns observed in studies are sometimes…

Surveyed administrators of adult day-care centers (n=36) and child day-care centers (n=300) to gather information about professionals' perceptions of benefits and problems associated with providing regular intergenerational exchanges in day-care settings. Found that problems attributed to generational differences and organizational/service…

Describes the current situation for vulnerable youth and discusses an example of a successful intergenerational program,"Across Ages", that improves their chances of overcoming barriers. (Author)

Case studies of older adult involvement in environmental concerns illustrate three models: generalist, specialist, and intergenerational. Ways to tap the pool of talented older adults for building sustainable communities are discussed. (SK)

Notes how Western society fears and resists growing old, and points out that educators, along with the rest of society, have little to do with the elderly. Challenges literacy educators to include the elderly and foster connections between the new and the old, and the young and the old. Suggests reading the Foxfire books for inspiration. (SR)

Analyzes successful family literacy projects. Finds defining characteristics and key features of practice that can be used to establish effective family literacy programs: offers literacy instruction to families, broadly defined; creates strategic recruitment plans; emphasizes retention; creates a supportive environment; and includes ongoing…