Title:
Explore Countries and
Cultures
Grade Level(s):
5
Subject Area(s):
Social Studies, Language
Arts
Optional Activity:
Family History
Interview
Brainstorm with students the questions they
might ask an adult family member about their ethnic
heritage.
- When did our family first come to the
United States? Who came? Where did they go?
- Why did they come?
- What was it like in the other country?
- Are there any famous people in our family?
- Can you think of any funny or unusual family stories?
- What was it like for you when you first came? Were you scared,
excited?
- Can you think of important events in history any family
members lived through?
- Can you help me with a "family tree" back three
generations?
Review instructions for an
interview.
- Ask politely for a good time to
interview.
- Choose three questions to ask. You must
answer "when" and "why" questions.
- Write answers in your journal
(notebook). Write the number of the question you ask and the
answer next to it.
- Ask one parent first. See if that parent
can answer for both sides of your family. Ask another adult if you
need more information.
Remind students to write answers in their
notebooks.
Have students write a paragraph titled
"About the Author" using information from this interview. Include
this writing piece in their country
report.
Updated December 16, 1998 by Mary Beth Castonguay, School
Library Media Specialist
<MaryBeth_Castonguay@fc.mcps.k12.md.us>