What is an ethnography?
An ethnography is a "a description of the customs and identities of individual peoples and cultures"... "it's primary purpose is to gain understanding..." (google dictionary).
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How can this be used in a classroom?
Enthographies help students tell their stories, explore their identity, share their customs and culture, and talk about their family. An ethnography can be presented in any language or combination of languages, and with a variety of visual aids.
What would this look like?
I suggest having students make a powerpoint presentation. Each slide they can share elements of their story and their family history.
Slide 1: Your Name
How is it pronounced? Why did your parents choose it? What is the literal meaning?
Slide 2: Your family tree
Include members on both slides of your family and include pictures if possible. Explain who they are in relation to you, where they were born, and share stories of their past.
Slide 3: Comparison
How are you similar or different from your parents? Use a Venn diagram to show these qualities and traits.
Slide 4: An Interview
Conduct a video interview of a family member (or someone who is like family) and have them tell their story. What was life like growing up for them? What advice can they offer?
Slide 5: What are some cultural traditions and customs you have?
What is unique to your culture, religion, family, country, etc.
Slide 6: How does your culture and customs make America a special place?
What foods, songs, dances, art, traditions, etc. have been introduced or made popular in America because of your culture and customs.
Slide 7: How is being plurilingual a strength? How is your story one of strength?
What obstacles have you had to or are still overcoming?
Slide 8: Your Family in America
How has your family helped make America a better place? What skills, value, unique outlook on life, etc. have they brought with them?
Slide 9: You in America
How have you helped make America a better place? What are your plans for the future?
