Description

Collecting Information: Process and Practice supports students in developing the practical skills needed to conduct meaningful interviews by focusing on how information is captured, revisited, and understood. Grounded in Ethnic Studies and SEL, this lesson reinforces the idea that careful listening and thoughtful documentation are essential to honoring people’s stories and lived experiences.

Designed for grades 3–5, this 30-minute lesson centers educator modeling of an interview with a family member, with an emphasis on recording responses using video and structured note-taking. Students observe how to capture key details using a Mind Map graphic organizer, learning that no single listener can capture everything in real time.

Students then practice recording information independently and with partners, reflect on the role of perspective and voice, and discuss why revisiting recorded interviews deepens understanding. The lesson concludes with reflection on what students need to feel successful during their own independent interviews, supporting confidence and preparation for upcoming lessons.

What’s Included

• Step-by-step lesson plan focused on interview documentation

• Guidance for video recording and note-taking strategies

• Mind Map graphic organizer integration

• Partner practice and whole-group reflection

• Learning Log prompts for student reflection

• Alignment with WAESN Elements of Liberation and OSPI SEL Standards

Why Educators Use This Lesson

• Builds essential listening and documentation skills

• Reinforces respect for voice, perspective, and lived experience

• Prepares students for independent, student-led interviews

• Supports SEL, reflection, and confidence-building

• Works across multiple recording platforms

This lesson is ideal for educators seeking developmentally appropriate, community-rooted Ethnic Studies instruction that helps students responsibly collect, reflect on, and honor community knowledge.