Primary sources are vital to include in our study of history. But usually, we don’t consider the primary source history available in our students’ families.

We are now living in an era where our upper elementary students have never even heard of historical events that rocked our world when we were their age.

It’s crucial that we encourage students to talk to older family members about the events and time periods they experienced. Our students will have a richer understanding of history when they know first-hand, behind-the-scenes personal experiences.

A Family Interview Project is an excellent way to encourage students to talk to their elders about their experiences.

I created this project for my students because some of my favorite childhood memories involve listening to my sweet grandma tell about her experiences growing up in rural Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. I am so thankful that I have those stories to remember her, and gain a more broad understanding of my family’s life during that time.

Setting up the project is fairly simple for teachers.

First, I created a commitment form for students and parents to fill out. On this commitment form, I listed some ideas for interview topics. This form was helpful because I was able to see what topics students would be using to interview their family members.

Second, I sent parents a note to explain the project, provide due dates, and outline the procedures for completing the project.

Third, I provided a suggested list of interview questions, but encouraged students to let conversation flow naturally and listen for key details that would help them to get the full picture of the historical event or time period.

Finally, I asked students to create a written report to share what they learned.

A simple grading sheet must accompany this project to ensure that students complete all pieces of the project.

In closing, this is one of my very favorite projects…. ever! One project that is very memorable to me was done by a 5th grade boy of Vietnamese descent. His great-grandfather lived in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and helped American soldiers with their missions. The report he created was amazingly heartfelt and creative.

I feel like I’m really making a difference in my students’ lives by having them complete this family interview project. The stories that they hear and events they learn about will stick with them forever!

If you’d like to save time and receive all of the materials for this project in one convenient resource, click on the image below.

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