Students will conduct a focused interview with a friend or family member born in a different country or a close connection with their ethnic/cultural background.
Most families identify in some way with their ethnic or cultural background, or a place that their family is from-even within the United States. This identify might be associated with one culture (ex. Italian), many cultures represented within a city (such as Philadelphia), or a unique region (ex. Delmarva Peninsula). In any case, this identity is closely associated with place and creates strong emotions. Students should ask questions that help them understand the aspects of the culture and/or region that make them unique and special to their family member. They should also ask to see photographs and objects that represent the culture and place.
Activity extension: The information gathered in this interview could be incorporated into a family tree project or project exploring cultures around the world. Students could bring in an object or photograph for a "show and tell," create a picture or poster display to share their information, dress in traditional costume, perform a song or dance, or share some ethnic food for a "culture day."
- What culture or place does your family feel most connected with and why?
- What traditions do you still practice that are from that culture (such as holiday traditions, food, music)?
- Tell me in detail about the traditions that are most important to you.
- How long has it been since your family lived there/how long have they lived there?
- Describe what the place is/was like, including the land, buildings, people, and businesses (or how was it described to you by parents or grandparents).
- Why did your family leave (or why have they stayed)?
- How is your home now different from that place/culture (or how has it changed over the years)?
- Show me any pictures or objects you might have that represent that place and tell me about them.
Standards: Social Studies-Geography; Social Studies-History; Language Arts-Research; Language Arts-Written and Oral Communication
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