Real Stories, Real Voices: Grade 3 Human Library
As part of their social studies unit, “Who Comes to Colorado and Why,” third graders have been exploring the many reasons people move to new places. This month, that learning came to life during the Grade 3 Human Library Event—an opportunity for students to hear firsthand stories from members of the Graland community who immigrated to the United States from other countries.
To prepare, students studied the art of interviewing and storytelling with Graland’s campus reporter, Molly Johnson. They learned how asking thoughtful questions and listening closely can help uncover meaningful stories. In the weeks leading up to the event, students practiced their new skills by interviewing each other and various members of the community.
At the Human Library event, students were divided into small groups, with each group meeting special guests—Graland employees, parents, or friends of the school—who shared their personal journeys to the U.S. Third graders asked questions such as: “What country were you born in?” “What languages do you speak?” “Why did you leave your home country?” “What did you bring with you, and what did you leave behind?” They also inquired about holidays, traditions, and how life in the U.S. compares to life in their guests’ home countries.
A human library invites people to serve as “books,” sharing their stories through conversation rather than on printed pages. For third graders, it was a meaningful way to connect their classroom learning to real lives and voices—and to practice empathy, curiosity, and respect for others’ experiences.
Great work, Grade 3!
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
