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Honor for All: Japanese American Experience

School: Harmon Middle School

City/State: Aurora, OH

Grade(s): 7

Format(s): Interview(s)

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Social Studies

Project Overview

These booklets (a selection from the whole set) were created by 7th grade students at the Harmon Middle School, in Aurora, Ohio as part of a case study of Japanese internment within a broader study of World War II. 

Students, singly or in pairs, interviewed Japanese Americans who had been in internment camps during the war. These short biographies are the result of the interviews. Each interview subject is honored with a separate small book , including a photograph or drawing of the person who was interviewed.

Copies of the booklets were given to each of the interviewees, to the school, and to the speakers bureau. The project was in part funded by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation.

Each booklet was 4 ¼ by 5 ½ inches and was produced in-house, using center-stapling.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Highlights a nice example of a project/product that fosters intergenerational and cross-cultural connections
  • Highlights a product that makes a deep emotional connection with students - a powerful example of an authentic audience
  • The size of these booklets is very appealing – they are small and cute
  • Tiny size allows for a short biography to feel like a full book
  • Exemplifies learning about a topic from first-hand sources
  • Booklets show understanding of and emotional connection to the people and circumstances of the internment camps

Relevant Resources

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
W.7.3
  • I can write narrative texts about real or imagined experiences using relevant details and event sequences that make sense.
W.7.4
  • I can produce clear and coherent writing that is appropriate to task, purpose and audience.
W.8.3
  • I can write narrative texts about real or imagined experiences using relevant details and event sequences that make sense.
L.7.1
  • I can use correct grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.7.2
  • I can use correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling to send a clear message to my reader.
L.7.3
  • I can express ideas with precision.
L.7.6
  • I can use resources to build my vocabulary.
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