Fourth Graders Present Expertise about the First Peoples of California

The week ending before the Thanksgiving break saw the culmination of an in-depth, weeks-long study unit on the culture of the first peoples of California, as fourth graders' individual projects went on display in the "First Peoples of California Museum." The student researchers were eager to share the knowledge they had gleaned with parents, fellow classmates, and other classes who came for museum walks. “Students became experts in their given fields and honed their presentation and public-speaking skills during the museum,” says teacher Valerie Welsh. The fourth grade “docents” demonstrated their expertise on topics as wide-ranging as natural medicine, hunting and fishing technologies, games and entertainment, ceremonial regalia, bark houses, and more. “We had conversations about how to change the presentation to match the audience and it was great to see the students’ progression of their skills to make it more interesting to their audience,” adds Ms. Welsh.

 

Adds teacher Kate Callan, “This project allows students to explore our grade-level curriculum through whatever topic they're passionate about, and then they get to share that passion with their classmates and community.” MORE PHOTOS