Abstract
Play is universal. No matter who you are or where you live, play is a way to learn about yourself and the world around you. Shared play experiences are a good way to build mutually beneficial relationships among younger and older generations, and these interactions contribute to cognitive growth, improved social skills, physical development and emotional well-being. This article outlines why intergenerational play is important, provides informative background information on the topic of play, and suggests appropriate toys, materials, and games for bringing the generations together in positive play experiences.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bloom, P. (1994).Modular dominoes activity guide. Arlington, MA: Learning Things Inc.
Bos, B.J. (1982).Don’t move the muffin tins. Roseville, CA: Turn-the-Page Press, Inc.
Branscombe, N.A. & Taylor, J. (2000). “It would be as good as Snow White”: Play and prosody. In K. Roskos & J. Christie (Eds.).Play and literacy in early childhood: Research from multiple perspectives. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Christie, J. & Stone, S. (1999). Collaborative literacy activity in print-rich play centers: Exploring the “zone” in same-age and multi-age groupings.Journal of Literacy Research, 31, 109–131.
DeKoven, B. (1996). The intergenerational play project. [Internet]. Available: http://www.california.com/~meetings/pwcintro.htm.
Fein, G., Ardila-Rey, A., & Groth, L. (2000). The narrative connection: Stories and Literacy. In K. Roskos & J. Christie (Eds.).Play and literacy in early childhood: Research from multiple perspectives. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Guddemi, M., Jambor, T., Skrupskelis, A. (1996).Play: An intergenerational experience, Little Rock, Arkansas: Southern Early Childhood Association.
Haraga, R. (1996).Childhood graffiti. Kuamoto, Japan: Graphic Design and Printing Office.
Hirsch, E.S. (Ed.). (1974).The block book. Washington, DC: National Association of Young Children.
McClary, A. (1997).Toys with nine lives. North Haven, Connecticut: The Shoe String Press Inc.
National Toy Council-Intergenerational play. Toys and children. [Internet]. Available: http://www.btha.co.uk/publications/ntic/intergen/html.
Neuman, S. & Roskos, K. (1992). Literacy objects and cultural tools: Effects on children’s Literacy behaviors during play.Reading Research Quarterly, 27, 203–235.
Neuman, S. & Roskos, K. (1993). Access to print for children of poverty: Differential effects Of adult mediation and literacy-enriched play settings on environmental and functional print tasks.American Educational Research Journal, 30, 95–112.
Newman, S. Larkin, E., & Smith, T.B. (1999).To help somebody’s child: Complementary behaviors of older and younger child care providers. [Manual & videotape]. Pittsburgh, PA: Generations Together.
Newman, S., Ward, C., Smith, T., Wilson, J., McCrea, J. (1997).Intergenerational programs: Past, present and future, Washington, DC: Taylor & Francis.
Pierce, J. (2002).Child’s play. [Internet]. Available: Http://www.sover.net/~gmws/9409/play.htm
Rowe, D. (1998). The literate potential of book-related dramatic play.Reading Research Quarterly, 33, 10–35.
Unicef. (2002).Puppets with a purpose. [Internet]. Available: http://www.unicef.org/puppets/pup01.html.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Davis, L., Larkin, E. & Graves, S.B. Intergenerational learning through play. IJEC 34, 42–49 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03176766
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03176766