Getting to Know You

Overview
Concluding that few local women are represented in their neighborhood story, students plan a Women's History Trail and interview area residents. Composing invitations and asking questions that focus on women, they create information files on potential candidates.

For more about Special #2 from
Walk Her Way Along a Women's History Trail email Maria D'Itria , author and AT&T Teacher Disseminator.
Learning Standards
  • Engage in effective discussions.
  • Paraphrase and summarize information.
  • Compare and evaluate differing accounts of the same story.
  • Recognize the significance of people and events in history.
  • Classroom Activities
    A neighborhood walk leads students to speculate: Who lived in these homes? What happened here? Back in the classroom, they
  • Brainstorm how to research notable neighborhood women.
  • Plan and compose invitations to senior citizens, members of historical societies and community organizations, local educators, clergy, etc.
  • Organize student groups that schedule and assign interview responsibilities.
  • Before interviews: read about oral biographies, develop questions and practice with audio recorder and camera.

  • At interviews: test equipment, document with camera and recorder, listen carefully, follow scripted questions, improvise if necessary.
  • After interviews: assign roles for information transcription and word processing.
  • Use chart paper to list possible candidates for Women's History Trail.
  • Create individual computer and hard copy files and compile information for each woman.
  • Send thank you notes and updates to participants. Include them in trail plans.
  • Community Activities
    Students begin to interact with neighbornood adults while planning a Women's History Trail.
    Careers
    As investigative reporters, students discuss the role of journalists in today's society.
    Materials
    How to Tape Instant Oral Biographies by Bill Zimmerman, 1996: Guarionex Press; invitations, neighborhood map, chart paper, folders, refreshments, thank you notes.
    Technology
    Students use audio recorders and cameras during interviews; create computer files with Claris Works; compose invitations and thank you notes with Print Shop.
    Assessment
    Teacher and students review files documenting information and dates for the proposed Women's History Trail.

    Web Sites
    Boston Women's Heritage Trail
    National Women's History Project