Family Tree Projects BLEW MY SOCKS OFF! & Currently

I have been teaching grade 2/3 for four years now. Each month I like to have the kids complete an Oral Sharing activity (which used to be called "Show and Tell") that is directly linked to our curriculum. Each student then presents their project on their Special Day; which I assign calendar-style in my Newsletter package. It's a lot of work at the beginning of the month to organize it all, but it pays off in spades! Parents know what is going on curriculum wise, kids get an opportunity to build up their oral skills, and I get a homework/participation mark! win-win-win
In January, our theme was making a "Family Tree" (social studies). This year, I also added "One Interesting Fact About My Family." Honestly, this group of kids BLEW MY SOCKS OFF!!!  The family trees are so creative and well done...wowzers.

  One extremely creative/artistic girl made each family member a little lift-the-flap format. Under each flap is a picture, date of birth/death and name. Her mom called me to assure me that she did the project on her own...

This student made a three-d project Christmas-tree style. The decorations were names of her family members!

I provided bristol board to those who asked for it. Kids decorated their trees using materials from home. Every tree was excellent and unique. 

 Another drew symbols beside each family member to represent something special about them. Her dad, for example, had a tie beside his name because he is a teacher!

Kids also brought in photographs to present alongside their family trees. My favourite-a 100 year old picture of a great-great grandfather who may have been "panning for gold or making soup." lol

Secondly...

Here is my February CURRENTLY. Thanks to Farley (again) for a fun, fun, fun linky party.


My RAK was the hardest (somehow, that sounds wrong). I am taking my brother's kids (9, 5, 3) for the day/night. Random because he isn't expecting it. He and his awesomely wonderful wife NEED A BREAK. Plus, I love spending time with my nephews.

Does anyone else do monthly oral sharing projects? I'd love some new ideas for projects/tasks!