Among the reasons for growth in family literacy programs are the expansion of knowledge about how children learn, the need to involve parents and families more directly in programs for young children, and evidence supporting the relationship between parental education levels and children's school success. Intergenerational literacy programs are…

This book is a detailed account of the effects of parental involvement in a literacy project on Latino children's academic performance, addressing methods of parent participation, home literacy uses by children, and the nature of school experiences. The first two chapters provide family literacy and Intergenerational Literacy Project background…

Evaluated effects of a nine-month project that paired fourth graders with elderly volunteers for a number of shared interdisciplinary activities. The Children's Perception of Aging and Elderly inventory posttest scores indicated the experimental group had significantly more positive attitudes toward the elderly than the control group. Results held…

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…

Intergenerational programs and policy approaches are needed for the following reasons: (1) the interdependence of generations; (2) the aging of the population; (3) the imperative of community participation and service; (4) changes in family structure and caregiving; and (5) stereotypes of intergenerational conflict and competition.…

The case for intergenerational programs based on political and moral imperatives is explored. From a political standpoint, organizations for the aging can benefit by demonstrating commitment to child welfare. From a moral standpoint, the organized aging community should provide leadership and support for general social betterment, advocating…

The intergenerational movement is seen as an appropriate counter to the breakdown of the extended family and the loss of shared responsibilities and functions. If grandparenthood is understood as a promotion from primary parenting, older adults can contribute invaluably to children's understanding of lifestage limitations and the importance of…

Describes a bush camp in British Columbia (Canada) based on the Rediscovery concept. Guided by Kaska Dena and Sekani Elders, and based on traditional teachings, the week-long camp offers Native youth the opportunity to reconnect with the land and the cultural heritage it embodies and to make powerful new connections to their Elders and peers. (TD)

Engages students in critical thinking about what they read and involves students in authentic literacy activities by implementing a semester-long pen pal program. Examines the nature of the letters, categorizes the kinds of questions asked, and notes the patterns of communications between the pen pal pairs in order to glean the benefits to both…

Explores the reader response patterns and intergenerational dialogue produced by five high school/university student pairs reading and reacting to a young adult multicultural novel, Gary Soto's "Buried Onions." Concludes that participants offered multiple perspectives, maintained mutual respect for each other's interpretations, and revealed the…

A teacher of fifth to seventh graders with learning disabilities describes a community-based gardening project which served elderly residents of a rest home while exposing the children to elderly people and encouraging development and application of environmental, writing, mathematics, and communication skills. The project integrated curriculum in…

Examines the meaning of work for older adults in a sample of 146 older job seekers. Proposes four factors to the meaning of work: financial, personal, social, and generativity. Indicates ethnic and employment differences regarding the meaning of work. Jobs providing opportunities for transfer of knowledge and experience to younger generations may…

When Urseline Academy girls need career advice, academic guidance, or personal support, they e-mail their mentors--professional women in the Dallas area whose "real-world" knowledge helps the students make informed choices. The program is an outgrowth of a summer internship program stressing student-centered learning. (MLH)

Third-grade students at Albion Public School (Albion, Nebraska) were linked with "special friends"--elderly residents at a local home. Students learned first-hand about the lives of the elderly, worked on related projects in school, shared activities with their new friends, and formed some very special relationships. (SV)

Pottstown (Pennsylvania) High School has integrated its community into learning by collaborating with parents; forming partnerships with businesses and higher learning institutions; forging connections among students, senior citizens, and school alumni; garnering support from community organizations and social services; and collaborating with…