3rd Graders Become Historians, Researchers and Curators

The Lower School Social Studies program teaches children about themselves, their families, their city, state and country. Finally, it teaches them about the world. In the beginning, though, our families are our worlds. It’s important to get a firm foundation in who we are to better understand the wider world around us. This fall, our 3rd graders began to deeply explore their family histories.

They started with a trip to the History Museum to participate in the Curator for a Day program. That experience was a springboard for their Family History Project, where they interviewed family members to learn how they came to live in St. Louis, including when and why. Then they made interactive displays, or “museum exhibits,” that encouraged visitors to learn about each student’s personal history. These 3rd grade curators offered a variety of photos, games, charts, flags and narratives to catch the attention of their visitors and share important information. They gave personal tours for guests for Family History Museum Day on Thursday, November 14. Family members enjoyed their tours, and special guests Head of School Jay Rainey and Assistant Head of School Brian Thomas also toured the exhibit.

Read about Mr. Rainey’s experience as a visitor to the 3rd Grade Family History Museum here.

Congratulations to all of our amazing student curators on creating such a wonderful exhibit!