Is it a Nuisance or a Blessing?

The term "intergenerational" conjures up all kinds of meanings -- and all kinds of misunderstandings. Intergenerational does not mean "dumbing down material so that children can understand it but the adults are bored". But it also does not mean "teaching a normal adult class with the hope that the children present may gain a tidbit". Intergenerational teaching consciously takes into account that
there are learners of different ages and experiences present in the classroom and seeks to teach the hearts of all. Intergenerational teaching is teaching that is both beneficial to adults and children and because of the uniqueness of the situation even provides some opportunities for both generations to understand the material differently and benefit from a different perspective. It is a unique opportunity for the young to learn from the old and the old to learn from the young.

In our experience, it is easy to understand how the young can learn from the old, but sometimes only seasoned teachers of children can understand how the old can learn from the young. The "old" have maturity, rational thinking, abstract understanding on their side. The young have black and white thinking, emotions, easy acceptance of truth, and freedom from conventional thinking grooves on their side. The blending of these strengths can enhance the learning experience for all involved.

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