Talking · Writing · Listening
Ask an older relative
Interview a grandparent or older neighbour about sayings they remember and what home meant to them growing up.
- 30 minutes
- On your own, In pairs
- Ages 9–12, Ages 12+
- At home
- Printable: interview sheet
What to do
- Choose someone older you know well to talk to: a grandparent, great-aunt, neighbour or family friend. Check with a parent or carer first. A video call works too.
- Ask if they mind being interviewed, and if they are happy for you to write or record their answers.
- Read them the saying and its meaning. Ask the questions on the sheet one at a time, and listen without rushing.
- Write short notes as you go. You can tidy them up afterwards.
- Thank them. If they remembered a saying of their own, look for it in the collection together.
Questions to talk about
- What surprised you about their answers?
- Is there anything you would like to ask them next time?
You will need
- The printed interview sheet
- A pencil
- A phone to record the answers, if the person agrees
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult helps write down the answers while the child asks.
More of a stretch: Turn the answers into a short profile or a one-page story about the person.
Any saying works
This activity works with any saying. Browse the full collection to choose one that suits your group.
Printables
The instructions card is for the adult running the activity; the worksheet is for the children. Prints on A4 or US Letter at 100% / actual size; colour is optional.
The interview sheet
Ask an older relative
Name
Ask one question at a time. Write short notes.
- Where did you grow up, and what was home like?
- Was there a saying or phrase your family used a lot?
- What does this saying make you think of?
- Who made a house feel like home when you were young?
- What would you like me to remember about home?
The instructions card
How to run it · Talking · Writing · Listening
Ask an older relative
Interview a grandparent or older neighbour about sayings they remember and what home meant to them growing up.
30 minutesOn your own, In pairsAges 9–12, Ages 12+
What to do
- Choose someone older you know well to talk to: a grandparent, great-aunt, neighbour or family friend. Check with a parent or carer first. A video call works too.
- Ask if they mind being interviewed, and if they are happy for you to write or record their answers.
- Read them the saying and its meaning. Ask the questions on the sheet one at a time, and listen without rushing.
- Write short notes as you go. You can tidy them up afterwards.
- Thank them. If they remembered a saying of their own, look for it in the collection together.
You will need
- The printed interview sheet
- A pencil
- A phone to record the answers, if the person agrees
Talk about
- What surprised you about their answers?
- Is there anything you would like to ask them next time?
Make it fit
Simpler: An adult helps write down the answers while the child asks.
Stretch: Turn the answers into a short profile or a one-page story about the person.
Goes with the printable interview sheet.