Grade 3: How to Interview With Empathy
Each year, Grade 3 students study immigration through a lens of compassion, empathy, and valuing other people’s stories. Since January, the students have been studying the “push and pull forces of immigration,” meaning that some individuals are pushed out of their country while others choose to leave and are pulled away (due to both positive and negative circumstances).
After reading several books aloud and participating in class discussions, the students began preparing to interview internal and external members of the Graland community who have experienced immigration first-hand. To do this, Director of Equity and Inclusivity Oscar Gonzalez and Communications Manager Molly Johnson stopped by Grade 3 to share their best tips on interviewing with empathy.
To start, Mr. Gonzalez reflected with the students on how it might look and feel to express compassion and curiosity in various settings. They also discussed Graland’s culture of belonging, that differences are not bad, and the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Following these conversations, Mrs. Johnson shared her recommendations on finding sources, conducting discussions, being an active listener, writing and asking questions, and showing care and compassion for those you interview. Following her visit, Mrs. Johnson said, “I was so impressed with how much the third graders already knew about conducting a successful interview. Throughout our time together, they showcased good listening and communication skills and interest - all signs of being good journalists! I am already looking forward to reading the questions they draft and the stories they will eventually capture.”
Keep up the great work, Grade 3 journalists!
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.
