In their quest for neighborhood know-how, youngsters turn to a local
senior center where residents become prime sources about life in the
old days. Sharing research collected thus far, students build up their
own information bank with more stories and photos while seniors enjoy
their new roles as community experts.
For more about Special #2 from
Discovering the Richness of Roxbury~Neighbohood Know-How,
Wright, author and AT&T Teacher Disseminator
Connect reading with their experiences and the experiences of
Engage in effective discussions.
Employ various formats and use technology to enhance work.
Before walking to the senior center, the class discusses how older
folks convey history. Preparing for the visit, students:
Create a map from the school to the center.
Go over seniors' names with a list provided by the center.
Compile photos of landmarks and articles for memory refreshers.
Practice using tape and audio recorder.
Brainstorm questions that will help seniors recall neighborhood
Divide into student pairs and agree on photos and stories to share
with the seniors.
At the center, conduct introductions and describe project.
- Explain how the audio recorder works and ask permission to tape
record and photograph.
- Take turns talking about the neighborhood and encourage seniors
to share memories.
- Record conversations and assure seniors of their importance
to the project.
- Schedule a follow-up talk. Encourage seniors to bring their
own photos, letters, and memorabilia next time.
- Back in class, transcribe notes and compile them in a
Then and Now Chart.
- Continue the dialogue through letters and routine visits.
- Write Directions: How to Tape Interviews.
Encouraging seniors to relive their past gives them a sense of worth
and students a sense of history. Students display their
Then and Now Chart at the Center and credit seniors as their respected
As students prepare to tape conversations, they are reminded of public
speaking skills that lead to a variety of careers including: media,
theater, and public service.
Maps, photos and articles about neighborhood, tapes, audio recorder,
Polaroid cameras. film, chart paper
Students use overhead projector and Neighborhood Map Machine for maps;
word process Directions with Print Shop.
Teacher and students evaluate tapes and photos.
Then and Now Chart and How to Tape Interviews are marked for accuracy,
sequence, and clarity.
Students learn about Seniors and their accomplishments at: