Based on the novel “Turnabout,” by Margaret Peterson Haddix, eighth-graders interviewed their grandparents to create “Memory Books.”
Annually, Mrs. Campeau’s eighth-grade class at Indian Mills Memorial School reads the novel “Turnabout”, by Margaret Peterson Haddix. This is a fictional story about two people, well advanced in age, that are given an opportunity to participate in a top-secret experiment called “Project Turnabout” and return to their youthful years. The only catch is that they will lose their memories. Both decide to record all their memories in “Memory Books”. Using this as the catalyst, Campeau created an assignment requiring students to interview their grandparents with a suggested list of questions, with the caveat that they could add to the list as the interview proceeded. The result was a “Memory Book” based on the interview, complete with pictures, to present to the grandparents.
Using a grant from the Home and School Association, Campeau collected all the material from her students and produced completed hardcover books. On June 13, grandparents were invited to the school, where the students presented their book to them in a moving ceremony. While there were tears of joy and heartfelt gratitude, the result was a gift that will provide a lasting memory for the entire family. Campeau indicated that this is an annual event that never ceases to bring a lump to her throat as she watches the interchange between student and grandparent. In conclusion, she stated that “Some of the toughest kids turn into jelly as they go through the book. It is really something special that I am very proud to do and will always keep as part of my curriculum.”
