Memorandum- Essay Competition
TO: Fifth Grade Faculty
FROM: Randall Gabrielan, Executive Director
RE: Essay Competition
DATE: September 30, 2012
We find that the recent optional family history topic is popular and we are repeating it. Participation on the two topics runs about half and half. We also made a suggestion for stimulating interest and continue to do so.
A suggestion for you: Why not plan a classroom discussion on either or both topics, what is important to any family and just what are historical places, anyway. There are several sites that students visit and regularly write about, such as Sandy Hook, Twin Lights, Poricy Park (Murray House), Longstreet Farm, Monmouth Battlefield and Walnford. But what else is important that may not be recognized as a “big” historic site? Will students be more interested in writing about these places? Are there places in their towns, or even neighborhoods? Perhaps some old building, maybe a residence or school, or house of worship? Something on the shore? A statue or monument? A historic place could be a place of business, or an old farm that is not regularly visited by the public. The “hidden” historic site could be a place that most do not know about. Students can be creative. Originality counts. The discussion may be both informative and fun.
We hope these remarks help stimulate interest. Do you have any ideas which may do the same? Please feel free to drop me an e-mail at rgabriel@co.monmouth.nj.us. We made a similar suggestion last year. Did any class undertake such a discussion?
Thank you. May your students compete with enjoyment and verbal effectiveness.