Research on Context

It's not always easy to find out about our students and their family backgrounds, but knowing this information can really allow us to tap into their personal funds of knowledge. Hopefully, we can do this through forming natural, appropriate relationships with our students and build that trust. If it's tough with a group of students, here are some ideas to use in your classroom to help you get to know your students and their family backgrounds a little bit better.

Research on Context Assignment Ideas 

1 – I will find out about a student’s neighborhood by using specific journal prompts.

Journal Responses: Use the following journal responses to find out about a student’s neighborhood.
• “Write about your neighborhood and home using descriptive terms and imagery?”
• “What do you see outside your kitchen window?
You can do so through poetry, free-write, or in a story format.”

2 – I will find out about a student’s family history through a “Student of the Week” presentation.

Student of the Week: Each week a different student will create a short power point (5-8 slides) telling about themselves and including some family history or genealogy.
Tell us something about what is important to you. For example, you may choose from the following:
- Your family.
- Your family’s history.
- A story from your life that helped make you the person you are.
- The person you most admire and why.
- Any other relevant topic with homeroom teacher approval.

 3 – I will find out about a student’s family history and culture through a “Who Am I?” Paper Bag Activity.

 “Who Am I?” Paper Bag Activity: Make a collage on the outside of a paper bag with at least ten pictures that represent the outer you – things that people would outwardly see. Inside are five items that tell us about where you come from – i.e. Family history, culture, etc. On separate note cards, explain each item inside the bag and how it relates to you and your family. You will present the outside of the bag, but only need to share one of items inside of the bag.

4 – I will find out basic background about my students and their families by having them write an autobiography.

Autobiography: Have students write an autobiography about themselves, including details about their family.

5 – I will find out about a student’s family history, educational background, and work history by having them create a family crest.

Family Crest: Students will draw their own family crest using symbol ideas from below of things to include within the crest. Then, students will write a description of the crest and what each part of the drawing represents. • Symbols that depict: What your family and you enjoy doing, your parents alma maters, family businesses, beliefs, interests, favorite foods, where your ancestors are from, an animal that depicts your family, etc.

6 – I will find out about the educational background of a student’s parents by having them conduct an interview about write about their parent’s favorite educational experiences.

Educational Biography: Students will interview their parents about their favorite educational experiences (elementary, secondary, college, etc.) growing up. Write about at least three different educational experiences that your parents had that contributed to the person they are today.

7 – I will find out about each student’s family work history and educational background by having a “Career Day.”

Career Day: Have students work out their presentation skills as they introduce their parent or guardian and tell a little bit about what they do for a living. Then, have the each parent give a short presentation about their occupation, and how they needed to prepare for that occupation.  

What are other assignments you can give to get to know your students and their family backgrounds?