Course Plan: Personal & Family Histories
Course Introduction
Welcome to the "Personal & Family Histories" course designed for Reception/Kindergarten students! In this engaging course, young learners will explore the concept of history in a personal context by examining their own family stories and backgrounds. We will encourage children to think about their personal identity and the histories of their family members, connecting their own experiences with broader societal narratives. Through interactive activities, storytelling, and collaborative projects, students will develop a foundational understanding of their unique histories and the importance of family.
Course Goals
The primary goal of this course is to help students understand the significance of personal and family histories. By the end of the course, students will:
- Recognise their own place in their family history.
- Understand the importance of preserving family stories and traditions.
- Begin developing skills to express their personal narratives through various mediums.
Course Aims
By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify family members and their roles.
- Describe and share a family story or tradition.
- Create a visual representation of their family tree.
- Connect their personal history with the broader historical context (simple understanding of community roles).
Lesson Overview
Module 1: Introduction to Family
Lesson 1: Who is in My Family?
- Objective: Students will identify different family members.
- Activities:
- Group discussion: What does family mean to you?
- Drawing activity: Create a picture of your family.
Lesson 2: The Roles of Family Members
- Objective: Students will learn the roles of different family members.
- Activities:
- Storytime: Read a picture book about families (e.g., "All Kinds of Families" by Mary Ann Hoberman).
- Role-play: Act out roles of family members in small groups.
Module 2: Family Stories
Lesson 3: Sharing Family Stories
- Objective: Students will share a family story or tradition.
- Activities:
- "Show and Tell": Students bring an item that represents a family story.
- Pair sharing: Discuss personal stories with a partner.
Lesson 4: Visual Storytelling
- Objective: Students will create visual representations of a family story.
- Activities:
- Art project: Illustrate their family story through drawings.
- Gallery walk: Display and share stories with classmates.
Module 3: Family Trees
Lesson 5: What is a Family Tree?
- Objective: Introduce the concept of a family tree.
- Activities:
- Explain family trees using a simple diagram.
- Group activity: Discuss the students' family members in relation to their family tree.
Lesson 6: Creating Our Family Trees
- Objective: Students will create their own family trees.
- Activities:
- Art project: Use templates to create a family tree.
- Presenting: Share family trees with the class.
Module 4: Connecting with Community
Lesson 7: My Family in My Community
- Objective: Students will connect their personal stories with the local community.
- Activities:
- Class discussion: How do families contribute to our communities?
- An invitation: Invite a community member to talk about family traditions in the area.
Lesson 8: History Celebration Day
- Objective: Celebrate the knowledge gathered throughout the course.
- Activities:
- Organise a 'Family History Day': Present family trees and stories.
- Invite families to take part in exhibitions of their family histories.
References
- Hoberman, M. A. (2003). All Kinds of Families. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
- Berenstain, S. & Stan (2002). The Berenstain Bears and the Truth. HarperCollins.
- Queensland Government. (2020). Education and Care Services National Regulations.
- Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2023). The Australian Curriculum: History for Foundation. Retrieved from Australian Curriculum.
Get ready to embark on this exciting journey into your personal and family histories! Let’s learn and celebrate together!