Heritage
Research shows that students who know their heritage perfom better at school and have higher self-esteem. But where do teachers start in trying to make their pupils more aware of their heritage and the community they live in?
This new Theme on Planet looks into some of the ways that Planet can help you create lessons to reinforce cultural identity, from the wide range of multi-cultural resources to the excellent partner links we're developing.
You can also check out this PDF which contains links to some of the research studies.
Finally, don't forget to check out the Heritage page on the corporate site for details on how technology & heritage could boost student achievement.
In the ActivClassroom
There are many ways that Promethean Planet can facilitate the teaching of heritage, community and cultural awareness.
Within this short piece of editorial we take a look at a wide range of options, from learning about Black History from the Themes section, to taking a trip to a Hindu temple with our wide range of resource packs.
Be sure to also check out the Elluminate section where you can learn about creating your own links with other schools to become part of an even wider, global community.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center explores the slavery era of the Underground Railroad, challenging and inspiring everyone to take courageous steps for freedom today.
Below are some example resources from the Freedom Center:
More resources from the Freedom Center can be downloaded from the Freedom Center partner section on Promethean Planet.
The National Monuments Record (NMR) is the public archive of English Heritage. It is one of the largest publicly accessible archives in the UK and the biggest dedicated to the historic environment.
Below are some example resources from English Heritage NMR:
More resources from English Heritage can be downloaded from the English Heritage partner section on Promethean Planet.
The Asia Society is the leading global organization working to strengthen relationships and promote understanding among the people, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the United States.
Below are some example PDF lesson plans from The Asia Society:
You can also find out more from the Asia Society by visiting their website.
Heritage Flipcharts
Heritage Resource Packs
This section contains a selection of external links that will enable pupils to start tracing and understanding their own unique heritage.
- Georgia Historical Society
- Accessing government genealogy records
- What heritage studies can do for you
- National Archives
Where Do I Start?
These links are a great starting point for anyone about to investigate their family genealogy.
- How to find your Family Crest
- How to Prepare for your Genealogy Research
- How to Conduct a Genealogy Research Interview
- How to Structure an Interview for Genealogy Research
- How to find your Family History
- How to find Family History on Facebook
- How to Get Genealogy Information and Help on Facebook
- How to find Genealogy Software Online
- How to Trace your Family Name History
- Appreciating Irish contributions to American history
- How to Know the Origin of Your Surname for Genealogy Research
Start Finding Your Family Tree
This article has been prepared with the assistance of Toni Grundstrom (georgelarson) and is a great starting point for anyone looking to research their family tree.
When you start your family genealogy research you will want to locate certain types of genealogy records such as birth and death, marriage and divorce, year of immigration, or occupation. There are billions of online family records to search to find matches for your family tree. Here are some ideas of where to access government genealogy records.
- Step 1 - Genealogy Records
- Step 2 - Specific or Unique Records
- Step 3 - Information from The Government
- Step 4 - Vital Statistics from Other Countries
- Step 5 - Free Genealogy Records Website
Learn More
This article 'Start Finding Your Family Tree' can be viewed in its entirety from this Planet link.
ActivRoom & Heritage
ActivRoom is a free download provided by Elluminate for Promethean Planet members. ActivRoom enables teachers to connect their classroom and pupils, with other classrooms from anywhere around the world. All you need is a whiteboard, an internet connection and a webcam - simple!
How Does It Work?
After you've downloaded the ActivRoom software from Promethean Planet, this allows up to three other whiteboards to be connected at one time. Simply 'invite' the other teacher to join you, and providing they have the software installed, you can write, chat, video and exchange information via each others whiteboard.
If you're wondering how ActivRoom can help you with your heritage themed lessons, why not advertise in the Planet forum for a school to create cultural links with?
Once you've set up an exchange program you can then send a flipchart about your school, background, or family, then 'meet' via ActivRoom to discuss the differences.
ActivRoom Case Studies
Many classrooms around the world are using ActivRoom to connect with other students, creating global citizens and forging distance friendships. Here are just a few examples to give you an insight into what they did and more importantly, what the benefits were to the students.
- Connecting teachers in USA, & New Zealand.
- Rock Island Elementary, Florida, connects with the UK.
- Lambeth Academy connects with Houhai school, China.
- Fox Trail Elementary, USA, connect with the UK.
- Closing the distance between Activclassrooms.
Heritage on Promethean Planet
If you're looking for lessons on teaching Heritage, why not visit these Themes and download corresponding flipcharts and resource packs:
Smithsonian Source
Bring life to history with this online resource to help teach American History from the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies.