Oral History Project

When I first heard about the Oral History project I did not know what to expect. After reading the assignment in more detail, I was excited to start the project. I immediately knew I would pick my mother for the project. She is my best friend and I wanted to learn more about her growing up with such a big family. After going over the assignment, I called my mother and asked if she would participate in the project and she said yes. I was delighted to hear her say that because I instantly started formulating my questions to ask about her history. During spring break is when I asked most of my questions. I enjoyed listening to my mother answering each question because she was excited and happy to share with me about her past. I also enjoyed …show more content…
This project can be used for any subject and grade level to build students’ skills and confidence. As a future educator, I know I will implement an oral history project in my classroom. Oral history enhances students’ historical knowledge, enriches research, writing, thinking, and interpersonal skills. All of these skills are important for all students’ success in school and in their future lives. Through oral history, students give individuals a chance to participate in the creation of the historical retelling of their lives. Instead of doing a boring essay about someone’s history, students can create PowerPoints, scrapbooks, posters, or other creative presentations. This project allows students to ask the questions they are interested in because they formulated their own questions. It also provides a rich opportunity for human interaction. Students will learn about the hopes, feelings, ambitions, disappointments, family histories, and personal experiences of the individuals they interview. I believe using oral history in the classroom is important because teachers can assist students in understanding the significance of history in their everyday …show more content…
I would make changes to the oral history project to fit the needs and skills of second graders. For my activity I would have students interview one another. By interviewing each other about their own life experiences, families, neighborhoods, and communities students will expand their understanding of the world around them and develop social skills. I would then have students make posters of the student they interviewed. They can use photos, artifacts, or any other materials they want to use for the project. I think this is a great activity because students are experiencing and learning interviewing techniques so they are prepared if they have to interview a family member or someone in the