Share A Story: Children’s Books Ireland launches intergenerational reading guide with Together Old and Young (TOY), Hibernia College and Generations Working Together
Curated reading guide for educators of children 0–12 promotes building of intergenerational connections through shared reading.
Today marks the first day of Global Intergenerational Week. Taking place from 25th April – Sunday 1st May, this week connects older and younger generations to reach new understandings and inspire empathy.
Stories have the power to bring people of all ages together, creating a moment of shared warmth and imagination. To help early years educators and primary school teachers celebrate this global moment of intergenerational unity, Children’s Books Ireland, Together Old and Young, Hibernia College and Generations Working Together have compiled a reading guide of books that are perfect for this very purpose.
Share A Story contains nearly 30 books that reflect these positive intergenerational connections, featuring a diversity of friendships and relationships between old and young, as well as giving insight into the universal aging process.
Alongside these excellent book reviews, the guide provides a list of expert tips for adults, from avoiding stories with stereotypes to starting conversations with children about the older people in their lives.
Margaret Kernan, from TOY Project and Hibernia College, said:
There are many forms and benefits of nurturing relationships between children and older adults. We’ve created this guide for anyone wishing to explore and experience these connections through story and children’s books. Our hope is that Share a Story will also inspire early childhood educators and primary teachers to see new possibilities for intergenerational learning in their communities.
Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, said:
The bond between children and older family members is such a special thing. Sharing a story is another way for children and young people to connect with their grandparents, great-aunts and -uncles and other older people in their lives. We’ve chosen a selection of excellent books that feature intergenerational friendships which we hope will be enjoyed by readers young and old.
#GlobalIntergenerationalWeek
Notes for Editors
Children’s Books Ireland is the national organisation for children’s books in Ireland. Through our many activities and events we aim to engage young people with books, foster a greater understanding of the importance of books for young people and act as a core resource for those with an interest in books for children in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland in which books are central to every child’s life and where meaningful engagement with books is supported by passionate and informed adults in families, schools, libraries and communities all across the island. Children’s Books Ireland is an arts organisation with charitable status.
Generations Working Together (GWT) is the nationally recognised centre of excellence supporting the development and integration of intergenerational work across Scotland. GWT is coordinating Global Intergenerational Week, 25 April to 1 May 2022. In its third year, the week aims to inspire people around the world to start or restart intergenerational connections and raise awareness about intergenerational practice. www.generationsworkingtogether.org
Hibernia College is a third-level college with over twenty years’ experience providing flexible and innovative blended-learning graduate, postgraduate and professional education. They are an established leader in pioneering new education technologies and embracing change in the ever-evolving world of education, dedicated to helping professionals meet their current work challenges. www.hiberniacollege.com
Together Old and Young (TOY) is an international programme and community of practice that promotes intergenerational learning (IGL). They support intergenerational activities worldwide through professional development, quality assessment and research. The TOY approach to IGL brings young children (0–8) and older adults together to share experiences, have fun, learn from each other and develop meaningful relationships. www.toyproject.net
