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Connecting Generations

by Joyce Daniels, Sharon Davisson, Gus Gold, Wilma Gold, Susan Hopkins, Marilyn Pierce, Cindy Santa-Cruz Reed, and Marilyn Shelton
July/August 2014
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Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/connecting-generations/5021839/

Whether elders are grandparents, neighbors, aunts, or uncles, they have much to offer to children. Most cultures in the world honor elders and their ­ability to pass on values and a sense of historical connection. It is the human-to-human interaction and storytelling that create a sense of belonging from ­generation to generation and develop a continuity of values.

Early childhood education programs can take an active role in connecting generations and by doing so, affirm the gifts that elders can bring into young children's lives. Some programs create special activities such as "Special Person's Day" or "Grandparent's Day" when elders come for a short visit.

In our work as part of the NonViolence in the Lives of Children Project, we found that building relationships is the foundational piece in passing on our values and creating genuine community. It is our vision that elders are ­included as an essential part of the child-family-program triad:

• In parent meetings or parent ­letters, we can remind families how elders can be special people in ­children's lives.

• We can invite elders into our ­programs for more than just 'short' visits. ...

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