Lesson Plan
Teaching with Oral History: Lower Elementary
Students utilize oral histories as a tool for learning about people, places, and events. As students explore the interview process by developing interview questions, conducting interviews with their classmates, and retelling the stories they collect, they gain an understanding of the way oral histories help us to learn about the past and each other.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand that oral history is a way of gathering detailed information that helps us understand a specific time, place, person, or event.
- Understand what an interview is.
- Experience what it is like to participate in the interview process.
- Understand that all of us have important stories to share.
Grade Levels
Lower Elementary School | Grades 1‐3
Duration
1‐3 class periods
Related Programs
All
Essential Questions
- How do historians learn about the past?
- How can oral histories help us to understand the past?
Materials
(see appendix)
- Object Photos
- Interview Worksheet
- Story Worksheet
- Pencils
- Chart paper
- Recording of Josephine Baldizzi’s oral history (MP3)
- Picture of Josephine Baldizzi
Vocabulary
- Historian
- Oral History
- Interview
Questions on lessons and activities?
The materials on this page can enrich a visit to the Museum or help you teach about immigration. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail us.
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