Perspectives on intergenerational playing: viewpoints of grandparents and teachers in a Greek preschool context

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of intergenerational play on grandparents and children relationship according to the teachers’ and grandparents’ point of view during the traditional playing. It is claimed that traditional games improve relationships within the family and strengthen the bond between children and grandparents. Grandparents (n = 83) participated in their grandchildren’s play (n = 100) for an hour daily during the study period. Together they experienced traditional games and created low-cost toys from recycled materials in a Greek preschool setting. Thirty-two volunteer grandparents and 8 teachers were interviewed about their experience. The children enjoyed playing in groups and also playing with their own and other children’s grandparents. Teachers realized that introducing traditional games into the classroom could have an educational effect. Interviews revealed that all grandparents enjoyed teaching and bonding and felt useful. They also realized that their grandchildren preferred playing with them instead of watching TV or playing computer games. Children as well as teachers boosted their creativity and realized that games have no age.