International Jr. Folklorist Challenge

Looking for a way to get your child actively connected to the traditional heritage of your family or community while applying communication, research, critical thinking and writing skills?   In the FREE Jr. Folklorist Challenge, students learn from Smithsonian folklorists how to follow the Jr. Folklorist Process to do research in their own family or community:

Step 1: Research

1. Research and choose one form of folklore in your community that interests you.

2. Identify and contact a local tradition bearer who is willing to share knowledge, skills and experience with you.

3. Develop thoughtful interview questions.

Step 2: Document

4. Gather the tools most appropriate for documenting the tradition bearer’s stories and skills.

5. Conduct your fieldwork: interview, observe and record.

Step 3: Interpret

6. Review all of your information to identify the story that you want to share with others.

7. Choose the interview quotes, visuals and other materials that you feel best tell the story.

8. Prepare a first draft of your presentation, and review it with the tradition bearer and others.

Step 4: Present

9. Polish and share your presentation.

Identify and interview a tradition bearer in your family or community and then document his or her story to share with the world through ePals.com.  Students submit digital presentations of their fieldwork (either as a video, multimedia slideshow or podcast) and have the opportunity to win amazing prizes including a tablet and Smithsonian publication.  Discover great online, anytime support for homeschooling families including a printable field notebook, video inspiration, and a how-to interview guide at:  http://bit.ly/PcIwz2 .

All participants receive a certificate of participation from the Smithsonian and ePals.

Want to learn more?  Go to http://bit.ly/PcIwz2 and watch the video to get started!  Entries due by May 26, 2014.