How to Start Writing Oral History for the Curious and Thoughtful Kid
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
This class stems from the idea that history is the compilation of many different people's stories about the past. We will ask questions like, "What is the past and why is it important?" I will teach students to think about what intrigues them about the past and formulate questions that are meaningful to them. Students will identify an elder member of their family to help them answer the questions based upon their own life experiences and knowledge. Students will understand how to approach a loved one in a respectful manner and learn how to encourage them to elaborate and paint a full picture of the past with open ended questions. We will practice asking each other open ended questions in a professional and empathetic way. We will also practice listening to each other’s answers with our full attention. Beyond understanding the importance of recording our family stories, I will emphasize the importance of doing so as a historian would: in a quiet setting with an interview release form and very well prepared questions.
Learning Goals
The students will learn to conduct an oral history interview based on questions about a meaningful historical moment/movement or a deep curiosity they have about their own family history. Students will understand more about how history is written and how historical accounts are influenced by the biases of whoever is recording the event.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will need a way to record interviews. This can be done on a computer or on a phone.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Here are some great resources for students to review ahead of time:
https://www.kidsdiscover.com/teacherresources/oral-history-project/
https://www.ohs.org.uk/advice/how-to-do-oral-history/5/
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have taught social studies and history courses at the university, high school, and elementary school level for over ten years. I am comfortable and confident about my ability to lead people of any age into asking loved ones important questions about the past.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-11
2-6 learners per class