Thread:Esh260group/@comment-121.220.30.23-20130914013026/@comment-17828942-20130919100546

Hi Everybody!

I have been researching further and following Annie's lesson sequence. I found the picture book "The Lotus Seed", which is one mentioned as a potential resource in the "Pack your Bags" program. Some info on the book -

A story of hope and epiphany and the importance of family heritage.

When she is forced to leave Vietnam, a young girl brings a lotus seed from the Imperial Garden with her to America in remembrance of her homeland. Years later, her grandson plants it in his garden — where it blooms again.

The author's website offers some fantastic questions to ask before, during and after reading the book, which covers the topic of immigration and why people immigrate, family heirlooms/artefacts, stories passed down through families and difficulties people moving to a new country may face.

I think this book would provide a great introduction and initial discussions to the topic. It could be read after the 'tuning in-journeys' activities from Pack your Bags To finish off, students could draw a picture of something special that they have in their family. I have had a quick look at History curriculum - Foundation and have found that these seem to fit well:

ACHHK004 - What does everyone think? I am happy to write this up as a lesson plan if you are all happy to use it. Also, are we all going to use a lesson plan template to keep things uniform, and if so, which one would we prefer to use?
 * 1) sharing the story of an object from home, describing its importance to the family (for example photographs, old toys, statues, medals, artwork, jewellery) and creating a class museum
 * 2) engaging with the oral traditions, painting and music of other cultures and recognising that the past is communicated through stories passed down from generation to generation
 * 3) Pose questions about the past using sources provided  (ACHHS017)
 * 4) Use a range of communication forms (oral, graphic, written, role play) and digital technologies  (ACHHS022)

"Chat" soon,

Jodie