Social studies in general, and Black history in particular, are marginalized at the elementary level. The ways Black history has been taught are problematic, focusing on either celebrating civil rights heroes or lamenting the oppressive treatment of Black people, thus flattening the rich and varied histories of Black people. An almost singular…

Working to learn a language both contributes to language revitalization and teaches learners about themselves, thus developing a sense of mental and spiritual well-being associated with learning the learners' ancestral language. In addition, on an institutional level, those who contribute to language revitalization and hold space for the language…

Discusses how oral history can motivate elementary students in the social studies. Suggests oral history learning activities and procedures to help students recreate events from the past. (CK)

Shares some responses from those involved in an ongoing oral history and writing project that connects members from a senior center writing group with children 9 to 12 years old from a self-contained special education program. Hopes that these comments and insights will serve as a parting testimony to the value of such intergenerational efforts.…

Describes an elementary level oral history program instituted in New York City schools. Its aim is to improve student understanding of history by having the young work with the elderly and bridge the generation gap. (MD)

Presents an activity program in which nursing home residents utilized their life experiences to teach an oral history class to third-grade students. The program resulted in improved self-esteem among the nursing home residents and heightened community understanding and involvement. (Author/JAC)

Describes what was learned about using oral histories from the narratives that could and could not be collected during a study of primary education in colonial and post-colonial Mozambique. Examines: narrator and interviewer roles; how to negotiate ways of remembering and telling; narrating education as a site of social justice movements; and the…

A North Carolina elementary school collaborates with the local senior center in a program called "Grandpals." Group functions, an oral history class, and a pen pal program are among the mutual education activities. Resources to link senior citizens and school children are listed. (MLF)

Maintains that viewing and studying old photographs can acquaint young students with the skills of historical inquiry and help them conceptualize local and family history. Includes teaching tips, in-class activities, and suggested guest speakers. (MJP)

Discusses the use of oral history in the social studies classroom and highlights the benefits of using oral history. Describes five ways to collect oral histories: (1) group interviews; (2) individual interviews; (3) surveys taken home; (4) object interviews; and (5) field trip interviews. Includes examples of oral history project themes. (CMK)

A common criticism of American history curricula is that the content mostly relates the activities and accomplishments of Anglo males. The stories and contributions of women and people of color are frequently missing from history textbooks. While authors and publishers have worked in recent times to rectify these omissions, the voice of Native…

Three elementary level publishing projects encourage students' writing skills. The first involves painting a poetry quilt. The second has students create stories through collage using the Image-Making within the Writing Process program. The third involves creating oral histories of older people and using computer software to conduct research. (SM)

Described is a project to interest elementary school students in conducting interviews with older people in order to learn more about cultural history and family history. Included is a sample list of interview questions. (KC)

Describes a project in which fifth graders researched the history of their school, interviewed people associated with the school's history, and created a booklet of school memoirs. Discusses problems overcome in each phase of the project, and offers practical suggestions on class management and project supervision. (SV)

Advocates conducting oral history projects as part of elementary school social studies programs. Outlines key steps for incorporating oral history projects including determine a focus; identify local residents to interview; practice interviewing techniques; exchange information; and create booklets. Lists research resources. Stresses the…