Thanks to Tim Salony of the Blair County Library System for pointing out this great resource.
Penn State's Agricultural & Extension Education offers this great webpage on Intergenerational Programs and Aging. Find program ideas, articles, resources, initiatives from around the globe and more.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
Get a Clue About Art
Last summer, the Allegheny County Library Association, Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, and Brew House Association, a local arts organization, piloted a six-week intergenerational art program bringing together older adults and youth for art workshops and a gallery exhibit.
This program included sculpting, collage, drawing, fabrics, acrylic painting and watercolor painting. Each 1.5 hour weekly workshop featured one artist and their media, exposing participants to a variety of shared experiences.
Over 60 pieces of artwork were included in the exhibit a few weeks after the concluding workshop. All works created by the participants in the project and works submitted by the workshop artists were exhibited professionally in the Brew House Gallery, Space 101 for a Sunday afternoon exhibit.
Because of the success of this pilot and the continued interest for our partners at BHA, the program has been replicated in four libraries the summer of 2008 with extended 2 hour workshops and a collaborative gallery exhibit with works from participants and artists at all four libraries.
We look forward to continuing the program with summer particularly with the summer reading club theme of Be Creative @ Your Library. To learn more about this program, contact Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association.
This program included sculpting, collage, drawing, fabrics, acrylic painting and watercolor painting. Each 1.5 hour weekly workshop featured one artist and their media, exposing participants to a variety of shared experiences.
Over 60 pieces of artwork were included in the exhibit a few weeks after the concluding workshop. All works created by the participants in the project and works submitted by the workshop artists were exhibited professionally in the Brew House Gallery, Space 101 for a Sunday afternoon exhibit.
Because of the success of this pilot and the continued interest for our partners at BHA, the program has been replicated in four libraries the summer of 2008 with extended 2 hour workshops and a collaborative gallery exhibit with works from participants and artists at all four libraries.
We look forward to continuing the program with summer particularly with the summer reading club theme of Be Creative @ Your Library. To learn more about this program, contact Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association.
Sprouting Together
The Altoona Area Public Library recently received a 2008 AARP Library Services for Older Adults Award for their intergenerational program for grandparents and their grandchildren, Sprouting Together.
The award description described the program's aim to increase intergenerational bonds through an art-based initiative program that emphasizes a high level of interaction between grandparents and their grandchildren as they created a scrapbook of memories, participated in games, stories and art projects. Sprouting Together focuses on family history and family stories in a creative interactive learning environment and includes a family tree art project, cultural changes, wardrobe/dress changes, economic changes and a celebration of intergenerational collaboration.
One innovative aspect of the program included videos of the session on YouTube which allowed participants to share the experience with family and friends outside of the local area. Great ideas!
The award description described the program's aim to increase intergenerational bonds through an art-based initiative program that emphasizes a high level of interaction between grandparents and their grandchildren as they created a scrapbook of memories, participated in games, stories and art projects. Sprouting Together focuses on family history and family stories in a creative interactive learning environment and includes a family tree art project, cultural changes, wardrobe/dress changes, economic changes and a celebration of intergenerational collaboration.
One innovative aspect of the program included videos of the session on YouTube which allowed participants to share the experience with family and friends outside of the local area. Great ideas!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Children's Book Review: I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story
I Remember Abuelito: A Day of the Dead Story / Yo recuerdo a Abuelito: Un cuento del Dia de los Muertos. By Janice Levy. Illustrated by Janice Levy. Spanish translation by Miguel Arisa. Unpaged. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Co., 2007.
Share with a young girl the memories of her grandfather as she and her family celebrate the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). She remembers her grandfather’s mustache and fingers, his guitar songs, favorite foods, and games of hide-and-seek. This bilingual story, told in English and Spanish from the perspective of a child, shows how in life and memory, intergenerational relationships between grandchildren and grandparents remain in the hearts of children. The relationship this girl shared with her grandfather has become a meaningful thread between generations in her budding years.
The refrain, “It’s the Day of the Dead! It’s time to celebrate!”, proclaims a variety of ways this Mexican family celebrates Abuelito. They visit market to buy reminiscent treats then cook Abuelito’s favorite foods and drink. They spread marigold petals and light candles at home and at the cemetery with the community. Fluttering on multiple pages, monarch butterflies arrive in the tradition of the spirits and memories of loved ones.
Bright borders frame vivid illustrated snapshots of family moments captured by watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil on watercolor paper. The last pages include instructions for a butterfly mobile, Mexican hot chocolate and a brief history of the Day of the Dead. Ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(3) 2008. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com.
Share with a young girl the memories of her grandfather as she and her family celebrate the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). She remembers her grandfather’s mustache and fingers, his guitar songs, favorite foods, and games of hide-and-seek. This bilingual story, told in English and Spanish from the perspective of a child, shows how in life and memory, intergenerational relationships between grandchildren and grandparents remain in the hearts of children. The relationship this girl shared with her grandfather has become a meaningful thread between generations in her budding years.
The refrain, “It’s the Day of the Dead! It’s time to celebrate!”, proclaims a variety of ways this Mexican family celebrates Abuelito. They visit market to buy reminiscent treats then cook Abuelito’s favorite foods and drink. They spread marigold petals and light candles at home and at the cemetery with the community. Fluttering on multiple pages, monarch butterflies arrive in the tradition of the spirits and memories of loved ones.
Bright borders frame vivid illustrated snapshots of family moments captured by watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil on watercolor paper. The last pages include instructions for a butterfly mobile, Mexican hot chocolate and a brief history of the Day of the Dead. Ages 4-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(3) 2008. Available online at www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Children's Book Review: Long-Long’s New Year
Long-Long’s New Year. Catherine Gower illus. He Zhihong. Boston: Tuttle Publishing, 2005.
Take a ride with Long-Long, in Long-Long’s New Year, for his first trip to market with his grandfather as their family prepares for the Chinese New Year. Long-Long’s creativity and teamwork with Grandpa makes their day in town fruitful. After selling all their cabbages, they earn enough to return home with the supplies the family needs for the Spring Festival and a few special gifts. Explore the market with Long-Long and Grandpa in this unique exposition of Chinese culture.
Each turn of the page brings another artful double-page spread of traditional Chinese painting on tan rice paper. The last pages of the book offer the folktale of the first Chinese Spring Festival and a glossary of Chinese words used in the story including their characters. This book received a starred review from School Library Journal. Ages 5-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Take a ride with Long-Long, in Long-Long’s New Year, for his first trip to market with his grandfather as their family prepares for the Chinese New Year. Long-Long’s creativity and teamwork with Grandpa makes their day in town fruitful. After selling all their cabbages, they earn enough to return home with the supplies the family needs for the Spring Festival and a few special gifts. Explore the market with Long-Long and Grandpa in this unique exposition of Chinese culture.
Each turn of the page brings another artful double-page spread of traditional Chinese painting on tan rice paper. The last pages of the book offer the folktale of the first Chinese Spring Festival and a glossary of Chinese words used in the story including their characters. This book received a starred review from School Library Journal. Ages 5-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Children's Book Review: Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara
Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara. Elvira Woodruff illus. Adam Rex. New
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006.
Discover how family memories travel around the world in the hem of a dress within the pages of Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara. Darcy Heart O’Hara notices small beauties while chores Granny and Mother ask of her are overdue. In 1845 during the hardships of the Irish Famine, Granddad delights the O’Hara children with stories around the fire and Granny spends quiet moments with Darcy in Ireland’s landscape. All the while Darcy gathers natural treasures throughout Pobble O’Keefe without spending a coin. After eviction from their land and home, the family’s future lies in free passage to America. Leaving her grandparents behind for the long voyage, Darcy’s stowaway riches recall the fragrance of family memories held dear including Granny humming and Granddad’s voice.
Lyrical text flows amidst memorable scenes of charcoal, graphite pencils, and oils on paper appear in various shapes and arrangements. Author notes include the story of Henry Ford whose family sailed from Ireland in 1847. End pages map the Atlantic journey. Ages 6-10.
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2006.
Discover how family memories travel around the world in the hem of a dress within the pages of Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O’Hara. Darcy Heart O’Hara notices small beauties while chores Granny and Mother ask of her are overdue. In 1845 during the hardships of the Irish Famine, Granddad delights the O’Hara children with stories around the fire and Granny spends quiet moments with Darcy in Ireland’s landscape. All the while Darcy gathers natural treasures throughout Pobble O’Keefe without spending a coin. After eviction from their land and home, the family’s future lies in free passage to America. Leaving her grandparents behind for the long voyage, Darcy’s stowaway riches recall the fragrance of family memories held dear including Granny humming and Granddad’s voice.
Lyrical text flows amidst memorable scenes of charcoal, graphite pencils, and oils on paper appear in various shapes and arrangements. Author notes include the story of Henry Ford whose family sailed from Ireland in 1847. End pages map the Atlantic journey. Ages 6-10.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Children's Book Review: Gugu’s House
Gugu’s House. Catherine Stock. New York: Clarion Books, 2001.
Travel to Zimbabwe with Gugu’s House where Kukamba visits her grandmother’s “beautiful rambling house” with a courtyard of animal sculptures painted with the colors of the earth. In the hot day of a drought, Gugu teaches her granddaughter the art of gathering nature’s ingredients for mixing her palette of paints. As the sun sets, the men and women return to the village after a day of work. Around the fire laughter floats as Gugu tells a story of a rabbit and tortoise. Later that night, rain arrives, then singing, clapping, and dancing. When this blessing of rain washes away the colors of Gugu’s house, she reassures Kubamba with the colors of the renewed land.
From end page to end page, this book dances with African designs. Earthy watercolor illustrations capture the culture and people surrounding Gugu and Kukamba. At the end of the story, the author includes notes and a glossary which give insight on the real life Gugu as well as many Venda words used throughout the book. ‘Gugu’ is the Venda word for grandmother. Ages 5-8.
Travel to Zimbabwe with Gugu’s House where Kukamba visits her grandmother’s “beautiful rambling house” with a courtyard of animal sculptures painted with the colors of the earth. In the hot day of a drought, Gugu teaches her granddaughter the art of gathering nature’s ingredients for mixing her palette of paints. As the sun sets, the men and women return to the village after a day of work. Around the fire laughter floats as Gugu tells a story of a rabbit and tortoise. Later that night, rain arrives, then singing, clapping, and dancing. When this blessing of rain washes away the colors of Gugu’s house, she reassures Kubamba with the colors of the renewed land.
From end page to end page, this book dances with African designs. Earthy watercolor illustrations capture the culture and people surrounding Gugu and Kukamba. At the end of the story, the author includes notes and a glossary which give insight on the real life Gugu as well as many Venda words used throughout the book. ‘Gugu’ is the Venda word for grandmother. Ages 5-8.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Children's Book Review: The Friday Nights of Nana
The Friday Nights of Nana. Amy Hest illus. Claire A. Nivola. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2001.
Through windows of The Friday Nights of Nana, young Jennie narrates the story of treasured time with her grandmother preparing for the Sabbath. After tea and their favorite bread with “sweet peach jam,” they begin their preparations for the day, tidying, ironing, baking, and polishing while they talk. They eat and dance in the park over lunch, returning home with the finishing touch of flowers for the table. In their matching navy blue dresses, Nana and Jennie welcome the family with hugs. They all gather round as Nana lights the candles for Sabbath. With snow falling outside, the warmth of family fills these pages as they fill the seat around the dinner table for barley soup, challah, chicken, potatoes, and pie on a Friday night with Nana.
This Sabbath tale conveys a story of a Jewish grandmother sharing culture and tradition with her granddaughter, capturing the universality a child’s treasured times with a grandparent. Energetic text couples with illustrations of watercolor, pen and ink, boarded with white for glimpses into Jennie and Nana’s moments throughout the day. Regular double-page spreads offer a panoramic view. Ages 4-6.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Through windows of The Friday Nights of Nana, young Jennie narrates the story of treasured time with her grandmother preparing for the Sabbath. After tea and their favorite bread with “sweet peach jam,” they begin their preparations for the day, tidying, ironing, baking, and polishing while they talk. They eat and dance in the park over lunch, returning home with the finishing touch of flowers for the table. In their matching navy blue dresses, Nana and Jennie welcome the family with hugs. They all gather round as Nana lights the candles for Sabbath. With snow falling outside, the warmth of family fills these pages as they fill the seat around the dinner table for barley soup, challah, chicken, potatoes, and pie on a Friday night with Nana.
This Sabbath tale conveys a story of a Jewish grandmother sharing culture and tradition with her granddaughter, capturing the universality a child’s treasured times with a grandparent. Energetic text couples with illustrations of watercolor, pen and ink, boarded with white for glimpses into Jennie and Nana’s moments throughout the day. Regular double-page spreads offer a panoramic view. Ages 4-6.
Reviewed by Charity Leonette, Special Services Coordinator, Allegheny County Library Association. This review was printed in The Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, Vo. 6(2) 2008. Available online at www.haworthpress.com.
Intergenerational Children's Book Reviews
Picture books offer a palette to explore topics of all kinds for children and audiences of all ages. Within these artful expressions of intergenerational and multigenerational relationships emerges the essence of culture passed from one generation to another and a breadth of culture providing an opportunity for readers to dialogue about their own culture.
In friendships between younger and older readers, cultural exchanges play a vital role in imparting ideas, skills, insights and experiences and generates an opportunity for discussion among readers about their own cultures. The following picture books for young children describes an intergenerational relationship within a specific culture. Each in its own way models to children the intergenerational experience and shows the value these connections can have in their lives.
Look for these books and others to add to both personal and professional collections.
In friendships between younger and older readers, cultural exchanges play a vital role in imparting ideas, skills, insights and experiences and generates an opportunity for discussion among readers about their own cultures. The following picture books for young children describes an intergenerational relationship within a specific culture. Each in its own way models to children the intergenerational experience and shows the value these connections can have in their lives.
Look for these books and others to add to both personal and professional collections.
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