This school year has been a challenge in so many ways. Social distancing, hybrid teaching, virtual teaching, asynchronous lessons … there are so many terms that were not even in our vocabulary a little over a year ago. Whether you are teaching in-person, virtually, or on a hybrid model, you are likely thinking about an engaging, meaningful end-of-year project for your students.
I have always loved doing an end of the year Oral History Project with middle school students. It is engaging and meaningful. It is something they will remember for years to come. If your students are not familiar with oral histories, using a couple of the interviews found on the StoryCorps project website is an easy introduction.
An oral history project will make a great Middle School Social Studies distance learning project, because students can interview any adult, even a parent or adult sibling. And, during a time in which grandparents may be feeling isolated, an interview with a grandchild will likely be an enjoyable experience.
The Basic Steps
- Students select an adult they know (family member or family friend) to interview. Video call is a great option for this.
- They write ten open-ended questions to ask the person based on their life and experiences.
- They conduct the interview and record their interviewee’s answers.
- Students write an essay summarizing their interviewee’s life.
- As an optional final step, students read their essay to the class.
Get the Freebie – All the Work is Done for You!
I have kept this list simple, but you can get more details and tips you need on my Oral History Project Freebie. Just fill out the form below, and you’ll instantly have it in your inbox. The best part is, I have included a project description for students in multiple formats. So, you can pick the format (PDF, Google Docs, Google Slides) that works best for you and your students.
Why This Project Works So Well
This project is an excellent way for your students to think and work like a historian. Conducting an oral history helps students learn new things about the person they interview. It is a great way for you to emphasize that history is not just about people in power but also about everyday individuals and their experiences.
Ready for everything you need to assign an Oral History Project to your students? Just fill out the form below or click this link to read more. You’ll have the Oral History Project Freebie in your inbox in just a couple minutes.
