Connecting the Generations is a program that connects grade six students from an urban Toronto Middle School with retired seniors from their local community. The program is designed to create a more inclusive community by connecting students to another generation who grew up in a different era without computers, cell phones or instant messaging. Activities in the program, such as gardening, are chosen for their engaging nature and their possibilities for positive socialization. The program works because it provides an opportunity for students to socialize with older adults in a friendly, non authoritarian atmosphere. The seniors involved in the program are there to listen, have fun, and share meaningful time with the kids. The students involved in the program have shown an increase in pro social behaviours such as empathy, respect, caring and cooperation- all of which are focuses of current Character Education initiatives. Connecting the Generations is also a community focused placement for Ed1 teacher candidates in the BEd concurrent program.
Connecting the Generations stemmed from graduate student Adam Pulpan's previous educational research in Nunavut (Yfile issue, June 6, 2006) where he studied the relationships between Inuit elders, parents and youth in a rural Inuit community. Pulpan’s supervisors for his Master’s thesis were Dr. Celia Haig-Brown and Dr. Warren Crichlow.
Adam is currently completing his doctorate in the Faculty of Education. His current research focuses on bridging the areas of intergenerational socialization, character education and community building.
For further information about the Connecting the Generations Program, contact Adam Pulpan at: connectgenerations@yahoo.com
