All About Me, A Research and Writing Unit

How it works:

"All about Me" is a research and writing unit that incorporates traditional essay writing, with the use of technology. Students begin the unit, writing an essay about themselves based on a student created timeline. The next essay, entitled "Who I am, Right Now" allows students to write about the person they are today including their likes and dislikes, appearance, strengths and weaknesses, etc. With the third essay, students look beyond themselves to their family to research and write about their Family History. Students use a Family History Webquest as a tool to gather interesting facts about their ancestry including surname origins, and family heirloom analysis. The final essay allows students to select a country of ancestry origin to research. Students use both traditional resources (encyclopedias and books), as well as technology to gather information about their country. Once the essays are completed, students sort through their research, pulling out the most significant facts from each essay to share via a multimedia PowerPoint presentation. Not only do students strengthen their research and writing skills, but they also develop a greater appreciation for their family's heritage.

Standards

Language Arts Standards Writing

  1.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process

  2.  Uses the stylistic and rhetorical aspects of writing

  3.  Uses grammatical and mechanical conventions in written compositions

  4.  Gathers and uses information for research purposes

Estimated  Class Periods to Complete

Based on a 50 minute class period, I usually present this unit beginning in October, and ending in December prior to the holiday break. Depending on the grade and ability level, the time frame can be adjusted.

For the first two essays, "My Story" and "Who I am, Right Now",  I recommend two weeks.

For the third and fourth essays, "My Family History" and "Heritage Report", I recommend one week for research, and two weeks to write each essay.

For the PowerPoint presentation, one week.

Software and Materials Needed:

Word-processing program
PowerPoint
Access to the Internet
TimeLiner by Tom Snyder Productions (optional)
Enyclopedia CR-Roms
Scanners/Digital Camera  (optional)

Keywords

Heritage, Family, Family History, History, Ancestors

The Students:

I have taught this unit to my 5^th grade students for many years. Students participating in this project should have a basic understanding of paragraph structure and essay writing, and have a basic understanding of how to use the Internet.

Overall Value:

The most exciting aspect of this unit is that students become experts on themselves and their heritage. Many students never consider who they are, and where they come from. With the power of the Internet, students are able to become detectives locating amazing information about their own ancestors. The unit incorporates the use of technology for a meaningful purpose that is neither overwhelming nor difficult for both teacher and student. In the end, students develop stronger writing skills through repetition of the writing process, use technology as a tool for research, writing and presenting, and develop a new  appreciation for who they are, and where they come from.

Tips for the Teacher:

This unit can be more meaningful when combined with a history unit on Immigration.

As a culminating activity,  I organize a "Heritage Festival" on the last day of school before Christmas break. Students either bring in a traditional family dish, or locate a recipe from the Internet (representing their heritage). Students share their dishes with classmates and the students enjoy sampling foods from different cultures.

Bind the 4 essays together into a book for students to keep and enjoy with their family.

Jennifer Wright has been a fifth grade teacher in the Orcutt Union School District for five years. She was the first Internet Club Leader and in that capacity, went to every school and worked with students to create each school's first web page. She is currently on leave to care for her two children.