The students spend time researching their background and must be prepared to share on a specific date, bringing in special things, showing talents, sharing their lives. They will learn how to make presentations and will take pride in what they share. Students will understand the expectations and be eager to begin their own. Teachers should take notes and even photos as the students share to remember important things about each student. The portfolios will lead to writing and art activities.
Teachers have an opportunity to find out what students know in an informal setting.
Students want their teachers to show an interest in their personal life. This is a time for students to get to know each other more personally. This can be modified to fit instructional needs of the classroom. Younger students can bring in 5 items of information written on index cards to post on their time lines, while fourth grade and up can bring in up to 20. Photographs add color.