First Grade Project Information

“All About My Heritage”

Primary children require much parental support for all of their projects.  Please remember that at this age it is the process which is more important then the final product.  We hope the entire activity is a learning process  You are teaching your child how to research a subject and present the findings to others.  At this level the research project is very much a parent-child activity but please follow the child’s lead as much as possible.  Resist the urge to make this “your project.”

The first step is for your child to investigate their heritage.  Where did their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents come from?  Children, brainstorm all the things you would like to find out about that country or group of people.   Write down all of your suggestions.  Parents, try not to make judgments, but discuss each one. Then help narrow down which would be most appropriate. 

Possible ideas:

· genealogy or people you are related to

· traditions you have continued to follow

· family heirlooms

· recipes of food your family has passed down

· customs that are followed

· traits that have been passed down

· maps from the country your ancestors are from

· interesting places to visit in that country

· special things from the country (clothes, toys, crafts)

How will they find out about these things?   Are there family members they can interview? (What a powerful, meaningful, memorable option!).  Visit the library to see what they have on the country or people of your child’s heritage.  What does the Internet have to offer?  Are there community people or resources you could use to give your child the most hands-on and meaningful experience?

Required Items for First grade project:

1. Child's handwritten words and labels explaining pictures, maps, items on visual. (These words are for people looking at board to understand your child's information, not for your child to read off during presentation)

2. At least one interview with a family member to gain information

3. Visual with items that illustrate information to be shared

4. Oral presentation reflecting practice and knowledge of what the visual shows. (Remember to use picture clues, it is hard for Primary age children to read words off board.)

* Attached is a copy of the evaluation form we will use to evaluate your child.  This may help you see the expectations we have for your child.

We will present these projects starting the 1st of December. Please ask questions and let us know if we can help you.

Project Presentation Night - Thursday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m.

Please read the newsletter each week for reminders about where you should be with project.  Thanks!!