Grade 6: Exploring Family Heritage
In an advisory curriculum designed by history teacher John Caldwell, sixth graders were asked to reflect on various aspects of their lives to examine how culture, religion and family have shaped who they are. They talked with their family members about their ancestry and traditions before sharing aspects of their identity with their advisory groups.
In an advisory curriculum designed by history teacher John Caldwell, sixth graders were asked to reflect on various aspects of their lives to examine how culture, religion and family have shaped who they are. They talked with their family members about their ancestry and traditions before sharing aspects of their identity with their advisory groups.
Andrew Morgan learned that his family name was changed from Morganstein and that his dad's family is from the Ukraine. Sophie Alijani found out that after her grandfather returned from fighting in World War II, he would only purchase products made in the US. She also heard the story of how her father immigrated to America from Iran and how family friends taught him about our national holidays. "He thought Thanksgiving was the most amazing thing ever because it celebrates how the Native Americans welcomed the pilgrims," she says.
Mr. Caldwell says, "It was amazing to learn about our students and what shapes them. It was also incredibly valuable for students to connect with their family history and learn something new about themselves."
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Andrew Morgan learned that his family name was changed from Morganstein and that his dad's family is from the Ukraine. Sophie Alijani found out that after her grandfather returned from fighting in World War II, he would only purchase products made in the US. She also heard the story of how her father immigrated to America from Iran and how family friends taught him about our national holidays. "He thought Thanksgiving was the most amazing thing ever because it celebrates how the Native Americans welcomed the pilgrims," she says.
Mr. Caldwell says, "It was amazing to learn about our students and what shapes them. It was also incredibly valuable for students to connect with their family history and learn something new about themselves."
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
