Ms. Bowman's seventh-grade language arts/social studies students took inspiration from the oral history tradition in Africa as they participated in a digital storytelling workshop. Participants interviewed relatives to learn about stories from their past and then wrote corresponding scripts and collected related documents – in the form of letters, pictures, and other artifacts – to help illustrate their own digital storytelling projects (short movies).

In addition to sparking discussions of primary source material, historical accuracy, and other concepts, the process addressed many seventh-grade language arts standards. For example, writing strategies were considered in terms of organization and focus, research and technology, and evaluation and revision. Listening and speaking strategies were addressed in the development of scripts and the recording of voiceovers.

To view the digital documentaries, click an image below.