Tracing Yourself
An English and U.S. History Interdisciplinary Project
The purpose of this letter is to introduce you to the Family History Project. Each of us at some time in our lives has wondered, “Who am I?” Undeniably, a part of who we are is linked to our family. This is the eleventh-year that we have involved students and their families in a project that has meaning and long-term value across generations. We strongly believe that the Family History Project will not only make the past come alive for our students, but the completed albums will serve to teach future generations that history is not just about kings and presidents. It happens to real people and their families. This project is part of our effort to take an interdisciplinary approach to learning. Participants will learn about history and geography while improving their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Your cooperation and enthusiasm are needed to make the Family History Project a success. Each student has received an informational booklet on this assignment. Consult the book for deadlines and basic requirements. Your child will soon be interviewing you and other family members to obtain information and write reports. Please take the time to check on your child’s progress, to answer questions and offer advice, and to help your child acquire the necessary documents and photos. Cherish the time spent with your active teenager who will soon be going off to college.
The scope and cost of the project should not be concerns. We have limited the scrapbook to one volume, and it is the quality–not the quantity–of the research that is important. We have scheduled several production days in both English and U.S. History for students to complete sections of their album. At this time, paper, labels, adhesives, designer scissors, and corner cutters will be available for use.
Dear Parents:
Introduction
Dr. Penny Ferguson
Mr. Mark White
