FaceTime writing: Elder stories

Everyone I know is FaceTiming, Google Hangout-ing, Skyping, so here's a way you can do more than just have your kids yell over you (or at their grandparents).

Try the Elder Story! 

This activity gets kids talking to adults about their lives. Then, kids write stories from what they learned. 

Subjects: history and English

Grade levels: all -- preschool through high school

Time to complete: 1-2 weeks -- don't do this all in one day! Spread it out!

Adaptations: lots -- see the bottom of this post for adaptations.

Step 1: 

Choose an elder to interview. 

Grandparent? Another relative? Neighbor? Maybe even your classroom teacher...

Step 2: 

See if your child's preferred elder is down for this activity. If so, schedule a time to video conference or simply talk over the phone.

Step 3: 

Brainstorm!

Have your kid brainstorm a list of 10 questions they want to ask the elder. 

Here are some general questions:

• What were your favorite things to play when you were a kid?

• What was school like?

• What was your first job?

• What was your favorite job?

• Have you ever been in love? How did you fall in love?

• What is your happiest memory?

If you know the elder, you may be able to give your kid a little guidance. For example, if the elder lived through a special moment in history, like a war, you could give some quick age-appropriate background to your kid about that event. Then, if appropriate, your kid could ask a couple questions about that event.

Step 4: 

Conduct the interview! 

Not only does your kid get to FaceTime and hopefully spread joy, but they also get to practice conversation and interview etiquette:

• Speak slowly, loudly, and clearly. 

• Ask for clarification. 

• Take notes. If your kid is too young to take notes, you could take notes or record the interview.

• Thank your elder for sharing their stories.

• Make a plan to follow up (and share your writing!)

Step 5: 

Write. 

There are infinite ways your child can honor their elder and write a thoughtful keepsake from this experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Preschool: Draw a picture (or series of pictures) showing your elder at different times. Label your picture with letters and words (phonetic spelling).

• Elementary: Draw a picture and handwrite as many paragraphs as is reasonable for your kid. Then, practice typing your story.

• Middle/high school: Write a narrative. Focus on a theme. For example, my elder is courageous, and here are three examples from their life that show why. 

Help your kid revise and edit as much as you feel comfortable with -- no rules here.

Writing adaptations:
For more advanced students of different ages, they could:

• research a time period discussed during the interview and add historical context to their narrative. For example, my elder fought in the Vietnam War, so I'm researching the causes of the war.

• write in different genres -- a poem, a newspaper article, a diary entry written from the elder's perspective

Step 6:

Share.

Call, FaceTime, email, whatever -- spread joy by sharing your writing!