by Sandra Livis

Every year the second graders at Elmwood School get their first exposure to biographies through their Social Studies curriculum. Second grade teacher Bridget Donahue took the traditional biography project and gave it a little twist. She took her students to Golden Pond to interview the residents then write their biographies.

Photo: Erin Blodgett and Julia Krapf

"For a while now, I have been thinking about the disconnect/generation gap between the younger and more senior members in communities and I thought that this would be a good opportunity to try and bridge the gap. I wanted my students to feel more comfortable around the older people in our community, as well as understand and appreciate the contributions that they have made to our society. I also wanted the residents at Golden Pond to know that we value their knowledge and welcome their advice - and that they are not forgotten," Donahue said. Photo below: Bridget-Donahue-and-her-second grade class Both the students and Donahue were surprised that the residents at Golden Pond were a little afraid of the interviewing process. Donahue thought the interviewers would be more nervous than the interviewees. Working in teams of two, the students asked their biography subjects a number of questions that they have prepared in class before hand.

Questions such as what is your favorite thing to do, what you did for work, and where did you live yielded some very interesting answers. The met an artist, a retired Navy sailor, a secretary and even the person who illustrated the classic children's book Pippi Longstocking. The residents of Golden Pond each gave them the benefit of their many years with some sage advice. "Always listen to your parent," "Be good in school," "Behave" and "Always do your homework" was not the most popular advice in the student's opinion, but "Make good friends" and "Enjoy life" seemed to be advice that everyone wanted to follow.

With this project the students learned much more than just how to write a biography. They discovered that you can find something good and interesting in everyone; you just need to talk to them. The completed biography projects will be presented to the residents at Golden Pond.

Photos and article courtesy of the Hopkinton Independent