Community and public spaces can serve as rich and innovative learning environments for children by using intergenerational learning (IGL) as a pedagogical strategy. This was a key finding of a recent PhD study about IGL in early childhood education (ECE) services in Ireland conducted by Dr. Anne Fitzpatrick. The study demonstrates how IGL offers a contemporary take on a long-established belief that it takes a village to raise a child.
older people young children
Primary school pupils interview older people about the history of war in their neighbourhood
Getting to know someone’s personal experience of an historical event by meeting them can be a richer learning experience than reading about the event in a book.
Intergenerational learning in public space: promoting young children’s citizenship
Read Tim Waller’s blog about the BRIC project designed to promote community engagement with young children in public space in England, Italy and Sweden.
Is there a tendency to privilege one generation in IG activities?
In August this year we posted a very upbeat news item on the TOY facebook about a Channel 4 documentary called Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds.
Pakistan, a country without homes for older people
Saleem Malik, a human rights activist in Pakistan makes the case for grandchildren and grandparents living close to each other and caring for each other.
