5th Grade Family-A-Fair
November 16, 2009
Dear Student,
To conclude our historical fiction unit, you will have the opportunity to dig into your family’s past. You will be presenting your family’s history at the Fifth Grade Family-A-Fair. Get your shovel out and start collecting artifacts.
Follow these easy steps to recreate your past….
Step 1: THINK about and discuss these questions with your family. (Done by Wednesday, Nov. 25th)
- Where are your ancestors from?
- What do you know about your ancestors?
- Who was the first person in your family to come to America?
- What makes your heritage unique?
Step 2: At home, gather as many of the following items as possible: (Done by Friday Dec. 4th)
- Photographs
- Objects that represent your heritage
- Items that represent family traditions
- Clothing that represents your heritage
- Food that represents your heritage. Be familiar with the food and its significance. Any food is only to show; there will be no food given out the day you present.
- Anything else you feel represents your family
- Specific years and events that are important to your family’s history (examples: When your family first came to America? Birthday of the oldest family member you are mentioning. Birth place of the oldest family member you are mentioning.)
All items must include a written caption.
Step 3: At home, complete your family “turkey” outline. (Done by Friday Dec. 4th)
- (You may use the provided outline OR make your own.)
Step 4: Once you have completed steps 1 through 3, complete the following steps. (Done by Friday Dec. 11th)
- Create a timeline of events important to your family history.
- Create a final copy of your family “turkey”. (This “turkey” should be large enough that the whole class can see it from their seats.)
- Choose two of the following options to include in your presentation:
- Option 1: Find a story that connects to your family’s history. Make an organizer that compares and contrasts your family to the one in the story. Remember, this story could be fiction or non-fiction.
- Option 2: Be a reporter and conduct an interview with an older family member. Type out a script of the interview.
- Option 3: Share a family tradition (traditional dance, song, ritual, etc.). You may share this tradition through a demonstration or an illustration.
Step 5: Write a reflection of the “journey” you took to recreate your family history. Think about the following when constructing your reflections: (Done by Thursday, Dec. 17th)
- Who did you need to contact to get your information?
- Did you have questions that were unanswered?
- What did you learn about your family?
- Do you have a new outlook on your family after completing this project?
- What part of this project did you find most interesting?
Step 6: Put the project together. Be prepared to present this project in front of an audience. You will be presenting your family’s history on Thursday, December 17. (We will be sending invitations to your parents.)
Sincerely,
The 5th Grade Teachers