This document contains six papers exploring contemporary issues in mentoring. "The Practice, Quality, and Cost of Mentoring" (Jean Baldwin Grossman) provides an introduction to and overview of the remaining five papers. "Mentoring Adolescents: What Have We Learned?" (Cynthia L. Sipe) reviews the literature on mentoring, discusses key elements in…

Argues that adults can provide and demonstrate to children a model for better understanding of the elderly and the aging process. Describes factors that interfere with intergenerational relationships, children's views of aging, and why biases exist. Contains tips for adults to bridge the gap by providing balanced views via children's literature.…

Describes the Parent and Child Education (PACE) program, a statewide family literacy program in Kentucky that promotes positive attitudes toward schooling and academic achievement. PACE focuses on parents' basic skills, children's learning skills, and parents' child care skills. (FMW)

The potential interface between human development theories and intergenerational programing is explored. Erik Erikson's division of adult development into young, middle, and later adulthood, and Butler and Lewis'"characteristics of older people," are considered. Older people can offer help and encouragement to youth while themselves…

The following social problems suggest the need for an intergenerational movement in the United States: (1) the social isolation of old and young; (2) the political and social strain resulting from Federal budget allocations; and (3) the labor shortage and its impact on social services. Programs linking elders and the young can address these…

Attitude change among older and younger participants in intergenerational programs is investigated. While elderly participants in several programs reported positive feelings resulting from their involvement with children, children's attitudes attributed to intergenerational experiences were mixed. Research should consider longitudinal growth and…

Community-based family support and educational programs provide services to families during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood that are intended to improve family conditions, parental competence and behavior, and maternal and child health and development. Networks of social service agencies emphasize prevention and maintenance in reaching and…

Describes steps of planning, implementing, and evaluating Books Build Bridges, a public library program created by Connecticut's Stratford Library Association. The program paired local senior citizens with young adults who then read picture books to first, second, and third graders. Sidebars present reading tips for volunteers, program tips, and…

Discusses how early childhood programs offer a wealth of opportunities for intergenerational experiences. Describes the benefits of intergenerational programs for children, teachers, and parents; offers tips for building a successful program; and provides some options for creating different kinds of programs. Outlines nine factors to consider…

Notes that the challenge for caregivers in developing intergenerational programs is to engage both groups with the materials and with each other while taking into consideration each group's needs and interests. Offers tips for planning any intergenerational activity. Explains how to plan activities using herbs, presents instructions for three…

Data and concepts relevant to the Carolina Abecedarian experiment (an intensive early intervention intended to improve the intellectual performance of high-risk children) are presented. Evidence from the project supports the malleability of early intellectual development and improved school readiness and performance resulting from the…

On the Yankton Reservation (South Dakota), Native American women have formed a sisterhood based on teachings of the traditional Brave Heart Society of the Ihanktonwan Dakota Nation. They have researched early women's societies and customs; acted as role models; and revived traditional values among young women through retreats, "learning…

Although Generations X and Y do not promote specific social-change goals, today's young people share a concern for building, maintaining, and serving community. Simply assigning students tasks in teacher-designed service-learning projects denies them opportunities for decision making, action planning, and leadership development. (MLH)

Investigated counselor trainee's recollections of early family structure and current intergenerational relationships. Found trainees who remained relatively free from "triangling" patterns with parents reported significantly greater spousal intimacy, more individuation from parents, and less triangulation with children and spouses.…

Describes intergenerational studies as means of linking young and old persons to promote mutually beneficial interaction. Reviews development of an intergenerational program in Hawaii and describes its current operation in three child care centers. (DLH)