Third graders got to explore their roots at Mandalay Elementary School while also improving their technology skills. Each student selected a country reflecting his or her ancestry and created a digital book using Google Slides. 

They had to include information about its culture, history, lifestyle and people and places, as well as their own personal connections to the country. There was also a table of contents, fun facts page and about the author section. 

Students were encouraged to liven up their books with images including flags, maps, symbols and photos that represent the country’s traditions and customs. The project was part of the non-fiction writing unit, and students explored mentor texts before beginning their research.