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We the People
Joshua Taylor, Jr.
Ashlawn Elementary School, Arlington, Virginia
Subject: Social Studies/Language Arts
Grade: 4
"In interviewing and photographing foreign classmates or
neighbors, students discovered that these immigrants have maintained
elements of their cultures and are contributing to our culture."
Purpose and Description of Project
Joshua Taylor designed "We the People" to provide an
interdisciplinary approach to the study of American history. The
students involved -- fourth graders as well as 30 English for Speakers
of Other Languages (ESOL) and High Intensity Language Training
(HILT) students in grades K through 6 -- focused on many of the cultures
that have combined to make up the shared American culture. These
students were able to conduct cultural research, collect oral
histories using tape recorders and
cameras,
and share their ancestral heritage through family heirlooms and ethnic foods. Taylor hoped
that the project as a whole would improve oral and written communication
skills, thinking skills, and visual literacy.
Activities
Fourth graders and HILT students were introduced to the interviewing
and
photography
techniques they would need to complete the project.
Taylor used slides to illustrate proper techniques. As a roll of
film
was completed, it was processed and the slides shown to
the students. This continuous evaluation process cut down on the
number of poor-quality slides and assured student success.
Students researched their names and ancestral backgrounds and
shared the information orally with their classmates. Then each
fourth-grade student was assigned a non-native speaking student
to interview and photograph. From the information they gathered,
these students prepared a chart on cultural differences in food,
clothing, shelter, education, and holidays.
HILT students were assigned to interview parents or other relatives
to find out why they immigrated to the United States. They photographed
family members as well as K-3 ESOL students.
The students' writings, interviews, and photos were then used
to complete the major activity of the project-production of both
a slide/tape presentation entitled "We the People" and
a public exhibit of 15 photos of students and their families.
Additional activities included Cultural Sharing Day on which students
dressed in native costumes; a multi-ethnic feast; and the showing
of the film Pacific Bridges which highlighted the contributions
of Asian-Americans.
Materials, Resources, and Expenses
The ESOL and HILT teachers and the HILT bilingual aide assisted
Taylor by translating materials and following up on his writing
and art lessons. Parents also proved to be an important resource.
The school's social studies curriculum specialist participated
and the librarian taught research skills.
Taylor was able to provide three cameras which the
students were allowed to take home overnight or on the weekend.
A photo finishing
company printed and mounted the 8"' x 10" photos for
the exhibit at no charge. The reel-to-reel tape recorder used
for the slide/tape show was provided by the school.
Outcomes and Adaptability
Taylor suggests that his project was successful because "it
filled a great void in the social studies curriculum, and school
and community relations." Students even used "'free
and study time" to conduct interviews and complete writing
assignments. Students were successful in learning to use the cameras
and critiqued each other's work in a positive manner; the fact
that 95% of the slides were technically well done gave them a
sense of accomplishment.
Although Taylor designed his project for elementary students in
an ethnically diverse community, he thinks it can be used as a
model at any secondary or elementary grade level at which American
history is taught.