StoryCorp provides a resource that captures and preserves the remembrances of family or community elders. Prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, class members select a person they want to interview, record the conversation, and then upload their interview to the Library of Congress so that future generations have access to these stories.

Concepts

active listening, listening comprehension, listening, thanksgiving

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Check out the highlights from the first year of the project before deciding to use it with your class
• Begin the project at least two weeks prior to your school's Thanksgiving holiday

Classroom Considerations

• Requires access to the latest edition of the free StoryCorp app and to smartphones
• iPads are not recommended
• Modifications are provided for those without access to a device
• Participants must be ages 13 and older
• Be aware that some schools block Internet access
• Requires parent permission 

 

Pros

• The 20-page tool kit includes background on the history and purpose of the project, a preparation check list, a template for the permission slip, model interview questions, and an interview planning worksheet

Cons

• No rubric is included

Common Core

W.9-10.2.a W.9-10.3.a W.9-10.4 W.11-12.2.a W.11-12.3.a W.11-12.4 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.6 RH.9-10.7 RH.9-10.8 RH.9-10.9 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.6 RH.11-12.7 RH.11-12.8 RH.11-12.9