The Effects of a Second-Grade Social Studies Curriculum Infused with Positive Aging Concepts on Children's Attitudes Towards Aging

Abstract

As the number of elderly people in our society increases, it becomes especially important for children to develop positive attitudes towards elders and towards their own aging. The American Association for Health Education has recommended the infusion of positive aging concepts in the K-12 curriculum. This qualitative study investigated the effects of a second-grade standards-based social studies curriculum infused with positive aging concepts on children's attitudes towards aging. Aging concepts were incorporated by means of two strategies: literature portraying positive images of older people, and interviews with elders. Triangulation of results from a word-association task, a brainstorming task, a discussion, and teachers' journals indicated that there was a positive change in children's perceptions of aging. Findings suggest that the teacher plays a key role in guiding discussions. In addition, children reported favorable experiences with both literature and interview activities. Rationale

Developing and Evaluating an Educational Program on Aging in the High School Curriculum

“…Others have found similar effects and impacts from programs that infused aging concepts into elementary school curricula. For instance, Hembacher and Cruise (2006) sought to explore the impact on children's attitudes towards aging when a second-grade standards-based social studies curriculum was infused with positive aging concepts. To do so they provided literature with positive portrayals and images of older adults, as well as interviews with older adults.…”