Intergenerational activities: an observational study of the experiences of children and adults

The purpose of this study was to begin to understand what exactly occurs when young children and adult day care participants interact together during planned intergenerational activities. Data were recorded through field notes, video tapes, activity plans and evaluations and through the assessment of the interaction by using an adaptation of the Early Childhood Classroom Observation Scale. The presentation of discoveries includes a description of each of the 12 activities implemented between the two groups, the environment, interactions between staff and participants and interactions between children and adults. The findings indicate implications for practice as well as future directions for research.