Shannah Anderson

Anderson's "Looking Back, Looking Forward" project provides a unique opportunity for ninth through 12th grade students to identify the similarities in the stories and experiences of their elders to the issues present in their daily lives. Students conduct an in-depth review of Native American writers and literature and interview elders in the community about their experiences. Based on the information gained, students produce a professionally bound collection of stories, essays, interview excerpts, visual representations and poems. In addition to advancing the research, reading, writing and analytical skills of students, the cultural and historical understanding that the students achieve and share with friends, family and community elders enhance the educational experience.