The role of story in strengthening intergenerational bonds in primary education

Abstract

To mark Global Intergenerational Week (24th to 30th April 2023), Hibernia College is delighted to welcome Dr Margaret Kernan and Fíona Mc Ardle, who will present their work on intergenerational learning in primary education. They have collaborated with Children’s Books Ireland to highlight stories and storytelling as a way of strengthening intergenerational bonds and produced Share a Story, a carefully curated booklist for ages 0-12 featuring a diversity of friendships and relationships between old and young. They will also discuss other initiatives, in Ireland and internationally, that connect primary schools with community and illustrate a diversity of learning relationships between children and older adults. Our ageing population and the growing diversity of our communities calls for new perspectives on learning relationships. In this webinar you will hear about the benefits for children, for primary schools and community members of all ages of working intergenerationally. Dr Margaret Kernan is currently a Lecturer in Education and Research Methods in Hibernia College. Her research interests are in early childhood education; psycho-social wellbeing of children; play and learning and intergenerational learning. Margaret is also coordinator of the award-winning intergenerational learning programme Together Old and Young (TOY) http://www.toyproject.net/ Fíona McArdle is currently a Lecturer in Education, School Placement in Hibernia College and worked as a primary school principal prior to joining the college. Fíona also worked as a facilitator and coordinator with Rainbows Ireland for several years and taught kindergarten, in public schools, in the United Arab Emirates. Her research interests include areas of inclusion and diversity, leadership, and international, intercultural, and intersectional perspectives on children’s rights to, in and through education.