California Story Fund
California Stories Project at Lakeshore School
Lakeshore Parent Teacher Association
San Francisco
Project Directors: Michael Lee and Grace Grafton
Elementary school students learn about their heritage
This project involved approximately 300 third to fifth grade students in a combination oral history, poetry and art project at Lakeshore Elementary School in San Francisco. The students, 15 percent of whom are first generation immigrants, interviewed older members of their families and created poems and portraits based on the interviews.
The program culminated with a reading/exhibit at the school and at San Francisco library branches. The project was led by classroom teacher Michael Lee and poet Grace Grafton, both of whom have extensive interest and experience in guiding students in exploring their cultural heritage.
The aim of the project was to provide an opportunity for students to connect to their heritage and learn about the heritage of other students.