A patchwork of friends : an intergenerational project
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Date
2002
Authors
St. John, Jo Ann
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2002
Abstract
This project discusses the potential of schools to be venues or meeting places where
people of different ages and generations can connect in order to support the "raising of a
child." It describes one such venture, A Patchwork of Friends -An Intergenerational
Project, conducted in a grade two classroom at an elementary school in southern Alberta
during May and June 2000. The project involved natural or adopted grandparents, who
participated for six weeks in a variety of literacy, craft and technology activities
alongside one or two students for one and one-half hour weekly visits. Many theme
activities and lessons relating to various elementary curriculums were implemented
before, during and after the project was completed. This study attempted to ascertain to
what extent participation in this type of program affected the views and attitudes of the
children and grandparents involved. Methods of investigation included interviewing the
children and grandparents, recording observations and comments, writing anecdotal
notes, and examining the reflections written by students about the project. The findings
from the study indicate that this program positively affected the views and attitudes of not
only the children, but also the grandparents who were involved in this project. Such an
intergenerational program was a rewarding, worthwhile and vibrant part of the school life
for all who participated.
Description
x, 167 leaves ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Education, Elementary -- Activity programs , Grandparent and child , Intergenerational relations