Respond to an Oral History

Students chart parts of their identity before listening to an oral history from the child of a Chinese immigrant.

This lesson is part of our Upper Elementary Unit Plan.

Overview

Following a reading of the family article, “The Wong Family Story,” students brainstorm all the factors that make up their identities and make identity charts.  By doing a gallery walk, they notice patterns within their class.  They apply their new perspectives on identity to analyze Kevin Wong’s oral history about his name change in the 1980’s.

Theme

Making A Home

Important Information

What will students understand through this lesson?

• Neighborhoods with many immigrants and their children develop because they provide work, support, access to culture, less racism and discrimination, and friendship. While adult immigrants often spend time with people who speak their home language, children often make friends across difference.

Aim

What does an oral history teach us about identity?

Duration

1 Class Period

Related Museum Program

This tour feature the families highlighted in this resource. Click the link below to learn more.

Under One Roof

Primary Resources

• Oral History: Kevin Wong discusses his name – Hear the story of how a 5^th grade student went from Yat Chung Wong to Kevin Wong. (See below)
• Wong Family Story article (See below)