Biography Research Project

This was sent home the last week of September.  If you did not recieve it from your child, please feel free to send me an email.
September 26, 2013
Dear Parents,                                                              

            During the month of October, the upper elementary will be researching important historical figures and will create a living wax museum on the morning of Halloween.  This research project will take place during class time where the students learn how to use print resources such as biographies and autobiographies as well as scholarly internet resources to gather information.  Students will need 3-5 resources, two of which must be books. 
            We are planning to visit the library in small groups next Tuesday or Thursday to gather our resources.  Students must have a valid library card in their name or their parent’s name in order to participate. 

Here is a brief overview of how you can support your student during each step of this research project:
v     Return the attached permission slip for the library trip as soon as possible and make sure your child has a library card that is free from fines or holds.
v     Have discussions with your child about possible research topics and guide them toward narrowing their choice.
v     Have ongoing discussions about your child’s research to help strengthen their understanding and help them begin using their own words for what they have learned.
v     Help provide support in finding scholarly resources on the internet.  (They will have lessons and we will provide further guidance in this, but we don’t have as many computers as we would like, so it is helpful to give your child more time to hunt for appropriate resources at home.)
v     Help with putting together a costume that matches their historical person of interest.  This should be very simple—we do not expect expensive costumes. (We will also provide some time for this in class)
v     Attend our open house on October 31, from 10am-11:15!

It is imperative that each child do the majority of their work with as little outside assistance as possible.  Students will be compiling their research in class, receiving as much guidance as necessary in order to become competent and independent researchers.  More information will be forthcoming throughout each phase of this project.  Thanks in advance for your support!

Sincerely,

Ms. Liza and Mr. Joe
MECroom102@gmail.com

MECroom101@gmail.com

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