Life Stories and Lessons From Our Generation to Yours
Introduction
How We Made Something Out of Nothing
Life Stories and Lessons From Our Generation to Yours
If you could join us during our Family History/Personal Recollection class you'd frequently hear enthusiastic comments such as:
"Children would really love to hear how you made toys from scraps and had so much fun."
"You showed how you made money during the Depression—this could really give today's teens some good ideas."
"This story really makes living through World War II come alive—it's a personal story young people can relate to."
"You really made us feel the horrors of living in a country without freedom—and how much people have sacrificed for it."
"I don't think many young people realize how far women and minorities have come and just how bad it was."
"We didn't have modern conveniences, but we made things work anyway."
"There were a lot of hardships and we were very poor, but we had each other and really enjoyed the little things."
And then someone always says, "I wish we could get these stories to young people so they could benefit from them."
And so we've collected some of these stories into a format which we hope teachers and students can use to make history come alive through the eyes of people who lived and learned from it.
Some of the writers included possible discussion questions as well. You will find many elements to discuss. We also hope these heartfelt, personal stories will also spark interest in further historical research about these times and places.
The members of the Family History/Personal Recollections are LAUSD students themselves, actively engaged in ongoing learning through the Division of Adult and Career Education's Programs for Older Adults in order to maintain their active, independent lifestyle and continue contributing to society.
In the class, they learn and develop skills in writing clear and dramatic stories, reading stories out loud so that others can understand, listening to each other carefully, and giving constructive feedback. These improvements are also appreciated as important communication skills that enhance their interaction with the larger community. Many students are involved with mentoring, tutoring, grandparenting, caregiving, volunteering for numerous charitable, civic, educational and religious organizations as well as supplementing their income with part time employment. Students are also deeply motivated to record their personal and family history as a precious legacy for present and future generations. They understand that not only will their families benefit by learning their roots, these unique, personalized accounts will become part of the historical record of important events of our world.
We plan continued opportunities for intergenerational learning. We are currently partnering with the ONEGeneration Senior Enrichment Center, the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance Library and Archives, and the Griffith Park Adult Community Center to set up visits with local schools to read and discuss our stories with younger students. Our partnership with the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Museum of Tolerance Library and Archives has also given us the opportunity to meet with middle school students to support them in their preparations for the annual History Day Contest (sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation). A number of our students also participated in the READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY, by reading to elementary school students. Continuation High School students at Miguel Leonis (LAUSD) have visited our class and written reports on their experiences.
These intergenerational learning opportunities are invaluable to all of us! We hope you enjoy and learn from the richness of our life experiences and that these stories encourage you to write your own life stories and family history.
Anthology Sections
1. How We Lived In the 1930s, During the Great Depression
Many writers were children during this time and in their stories, they remember creating toys and games from every day objects and the environment, finding original ways to make a little money, and coming together as a family to get through hard times. At the end of this section, two writers describe in loving detail, the everyday life in their little towns in Poland which were later utterly destroyed by the Nazis.
2. How We Survived World War II
Writers who were American children describe their anxiety and the way their lives changed in support of the war effort. Another writes of his grueling experiences as fighter pilot in the South Pacific. Those living in Europe experienced the full horrors of war and unspeakable Nazi cruelty.
3. How We Lived During the Late 1940s and Early 1950s
In a more peaceful time, writers describe loving relationships with family and neighbors, games of imagination and school challenges.
4. How We Overcame Prejudice and Oppression in America
Stories express the pain of experiencing racism as children, and also the hope that was encouraged by inspiring role models. Some writers describe fighting back and overcoming injustice as they became older.
5. How We Immigrated to America, Starting Over with Nothing
Writers tell of how their families escaped oppression, leaving everything behind to begin a new life in America.
6. How We "Survived" Being Teenagers
Writers face challenges of feeling uncomfortable and "different" when their families settle in new countries. They learn to deal with family pressures and then as young adults, embark on adventures, launch challenging careers and build lives as adults.
7. How We Make Something Out of Nothing Today
We write about the rewards of helping others, appreciating animals, enjoying the everyday wonders around us, staying active, healthy and involved with family and friends, creating beautiful things and recording family history for generations to come.
Contact & Feedback:
Please share your thoughts and experiences with reading and making use of this material. We welcome any feedback and any ideas you may have for further distribution and involvement of intergenerational learning opportunities that may be inspired from this book.
Arlene Torluemke, Program for Older Adults Advisor at arlene.torluemke@lausd.net
Jeanette Shelburne, Instructor at Shelburne@aol.com
Teacher Materials Included
Guidelines for teaching Life Story Writing
Literary Discussion Questions
Social Studies Discussion Questions
What's in a Name?
Bibliography
Copyright © 2010 All Rights Reserved by the individual authors
Material may be reproduced for educational purposes. |
