More Than Just Us! Building Compassionate Connections Between Preschoolers and Elders in an Intergenerational Facility

• In Event: Just(ice) Beginnings: Researchers’ Life Stories of Caring and Just Practices in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This study looked at intergenerational programming, which refers to intentionally planned activities developed to promote social engagement between different generational cohorts. Specifically, it looked at a same-site intergenerational program (SSIP) housing both a childcare and memory care program. Adding children’s often-ignored voices and perspective to the literature (Jarrot & Bruno, 2007), stories supporting intentional programming between our youngest and oldest generations were collected from two sources: play-based interviews and activities with the children, and observations of intergenerational interactions during planned programming activities. In this presentation, video and stories showcasing the preschoolers’ words and actions will substantiate their views of elders as playmates and friends, and intergenerational programming as a vehicle to create communities of connection, compassion, care, and respect.

Author

• Cecilia Maron-Puntarelli, Indiana University