Project: Biographies about Milton Hershey and Me

(Appropriate for Ages 5-8)
Content Objective: To learn about the life of Milton Hershey.

Skill/Process Objective: To develop reading comprehension and writing skills.

Before the trip
Have children write down facts about themselves. Discuss that information about themselves, written by them is an autobiography and factual information written about someone else is a biography. Together, read the book, “Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier” by M.M. Eboch and explain that this book is a biography. While children are reading this book, have them write down facts about Milton Hershey. Together, look at the website, http://www.miltonhershey.com/milton.html. While most of the language used is tough for young ones, together you can learn more about Milton Hershey and discuss his life.  

During the trip
While in Hershey, visit the park, museum, and school, all created by Milton Hershey. Visit the Hershey café and enjoy favorite chocolate treats while reading more information about Hershey’s life. Take a tour of the chocolate factory to learn about how he created the first affordable chocolate candy bar. Have children write down biographical facts about Milton Hershey's life.

After the trip
With your child, write down the facts about Milton Hershey and all that they learned about the town he created. Have children write a short biography about Hershey. They should then write a biography about a family member or an autobiography about themselves.

Resources

• http://www.miltonhershey.com/milton.html
• Books: “Milton Hershey: Young Chocolatier” by M.M. Eboch
• Paper/notepads
• DVD player
• Computer