Intergenerational Learning in Practice

"The soul is healed by being with children. This book provides the scientific underpinning of Dostoyevsky’s wisdom. It gives inspiring examples of connecting the young and the elderly and how to strengthen community life." - Elly Singer, Associate Professor University Utrecht, The Netherlands, retired

"Borrowing a term from the book, this edited volume is a good quality "polyvalent form" for it demonstrates multifunctionality. It consists of a high-grade compendium of theoretical reflections and inspirational practices around intergenerational learning, with a much-needed focus on young children, but beyond platitudes and caring for quality. Further, it presents readers with a broad spectrum of provocative questions and tips not only for but from intergenerational practice in a wide range of sites, cultural contexts and countries. Overall, it is an interesting jigsaw to play with while learning about intergenerational learning, and an excellent antidote for any older-people centered intergenerational work!" - Dr. Mariano Sánchez, Department of Sociology, University of Granada, Spain

"There is much to love about this book. The opening passage illuminates the contours of meaning and joyful engagement between an older adult volunteer and a classroom of tuned-in 5-year-olds reading together. The following 14 chapters introduce fresh concepts, perspectives, and examples of "intergenerational learning" in Europe, Australia, and the U.S. My favorite highlights: an intergenerational summer camp in Italy; "culturally responsive" storytelling to expose Aboriginal children to indigenous language and knowledge; intergenerational "play hubs" created with Roma children; and some spatial concepts and considerations for designing age-inclusive public spaces." - Matthew Kaplan, Professor, Intergenerational Programs and Aging, Pennsylvania State University, USA