Intergenerational Engagements
Building Sustainable Futures Across Generations.
At KINDknow – Kindergarten Knowledge Centre for Systemic Research on Diversity and Sustainable Futures – we recognize that young children, families, and communities are increasingly impacted by what is often described as a polycrisis: overlapping social, ecological, cultural, and economic challenges. In response, we explore intergenerational engagements and programmes as powerful, future-shaping practices within early childhood education and care (ECEC).
This research strand highlights the value of fostering meaningful relationships between children and older generations—whether through shared activities, storytelling, nature-based explorations, or cultural practices. These encounters build mutual understanding, promote solidarity, and enable the co-construction of knowledge across time and experience. They are pedagogical, cultural, and relational practices that respond to present needs while envisioning sustainable, inclusive futures.
Older and younger generations can serve as valuable resources to each other, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship even from a very young age. Older generations bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, heritage, and wisdom that can enrich the lives of preschool-aged children through storytelling, shared traditions, handicrafts and nurturing guidance. Conversely, young children can offer interest of stories, knowledge and handicraft, energy, and a fresh perspective that can support older individuals feel more connected and invigorated.
Key focus areas
- Designing and researching intentional intergenerational co-creations and workshops in kindergartens and early childhood institutions.
- Understanding the reciprocal benefits of intergenerational dialogue, such as enhanced socio-emotional learning, well-being, and identity formation.
- Investigating how such engagements support social sustainability, inclusion, and lifelong learning across community settings.
- Exploring indigenous perspectives and culturally rooted frameworks—such as Sikolohiyang Pilipino—to better understand intergenerational practices in diverse glocal contexts.
- Reimagining educational research practices and pedagogical innovations that are responsive to crises, transitions, and transformations, particularly during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Older generations can engage young children in educational and playful activities that promote historical knowledge, heritage and experience.
- Young children can bring companionship, meaning and enthusiasm to older adults, helping combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
This body of work aligns closely with KINDknow’s broader goals: to develop ecologically, ethically, and socially sustainable pedagogies that centre relationships, justice, and care in early education.
Key Publications on Intergenerational Engagements
The following publications reflect the depth and diversity of intergenerational research at KINDknow, particularly through the contributions of Dr. Czarecah Tuppil Oropilla, Prof. Dr. Elin Eriksen Ødegaard, and collaborators. These works offer both theoretical and practice-based insights, contributing to national and international discussions on sustainability in ECEC.
- Oropilla, C.T. (2024). Researching Intergenerational Engagements and Programmes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Methodological Reflexivity on Research Pivots. In: Fleer, M., Fragkiadaki, G., Ødegaard, E.E., Rai, P., Sadownik, A.R. (eds) Cultural-historical Digital Methodology in Early Childhood Settings. Perspectives in Cultural-Historical Research, vol 13. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-59785-5_18
- Ødegaard, E. E. (2023). Collaborative narrative: a cultural mould of intergenerational engagement. Open Access Government. January 3. 2023
- Oropilla, C. T. (2023). Exploring intergenerational engagements and programmes in the field of early childhood education and care [Doctoral thesis, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences]. HVL Open. https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3061964
- Oropilla, C. T., Ødegaard, E. E., & Quinones, G. (2022). Kindergarten practitioners’ perspectives on intergenerational programs in Norwegian kindergartens during the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring transitions and transformations in institutional practices. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 1-16. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/1350293X.2022.2073380
- Oropilla, C.T., Ødegaard, E. E., & White, E.J. (2022). Visibilizing everyday intergenerational engagements: Philippines in 2020 lockdown. Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy. doi: https://doi.org/10.1163/23644583-bja10032
- Oropilla, C. T., & Guadana, J. (2021). Intergenerational learning and Sikolohiyang Pilipino: Perspectives from the Philippines. Nordic Journal of Comparative and International Education (NJCIE),5(2), 22–36. https://doi.org/10.7577/njcie.4151
- Oropilla, C. T., & Ødegaard, E. E. (2021). Strengthening the call for intentional intergenerational programmes towards sustainable futures for children and families. Sustainability,13(10), Article 5564. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105564
- Oropilla, C. (2020). Young child’s and older adult’s voices: Dialogue in a song. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 19(2), 280–282. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2020.1827117
Other Publications and Forthcoming Contributions
- Intergenerational Co-Creations by the Sea (Oropilla & Ødegaard)- linked with the One Ocean project https://www.hvl.no/om/barnkunne/one-ocean-utforskning/)
- Intergenerational Co-Creations in a Norwegian Village: Weaving Belonging Through Music and Heritage (Eriksen & Oropilla) – forthcoming in Confronting the Polycrisis, Springer
- Oropilla, C.T., Indal, K., and Fahle-Johansen, L. (2023). A Glimpse into Norwegian Intergenerational Practices. http://www.toyproject.net/2023/10/glimpse-norwegian-intergenerational-practices/
- Oropilla, C.T. (2023). An intergenerational perspective from the Philippines. Together Old and Young Blog. http://www.toyproject.net/2023/06/intergenerational-perspective-philippines/
- Oropilla, C. T., & Fahle-Johansen, L. (2021, March 12). Generasjonsmøter i barnehager – hvorfor er det viktig? [Generation meetings in kindergartens - why is it important?]. Barnehage.no. https://www.barnehage.no/barnkunne/generasjonsmoter-i-barnehager--hvorfor-er-det-viktig/217828
- Sanselekkassen (Oropilla & Fagerbakke) – a hands-on sensory exploration kit designed to encourage children to engage in meaningful, multi-sensory learning experiences through co-creation workshops. Developed based on research in sensory play and intergenerational engagements, this kit fosters curiosity, communication, and creativity among children.
Intergenerational research underscores the transformative potential of relationships between young and old, not only for personal growth and learning but as a foundation for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable futures. At KINDknow, we continue to support and develop this work through collaborative projects, knowledge exchange, and practice-based inquiry—locally and globally.