Every year our JPS 5th graders research, create, and present their very own historical wax museums! You could certainly feel the [nervous?] energy in the building last week as the Rosewood 5th graders prepared to wow parents and visitors with their knowledge about figures from American history.

According to 5the grade teachers, Doug Diekman, Mary Beth Vachon, and Marietta Schoolmaster, “Our 5th graders research their character and create a Venn diagram, timeline, word cloud, informational sheet, map, and even draw a self-portrait. This is all displayed on a tri-fold poster board and a short speech is created based on their character and presented in first-person point of view.”

Teachers enjoy watching the kids take ownership of their characters as well as the information needed to make a great presentation. They also like the fact that the project encompasses multiple aspects of the required 5th grade curriculum. “The beautiful part of this project is that there are multiple common core curriculum standards that are met. From reading standards, writing standards, speaking and listening standards, as well as social studies standards. It ties many learning experiences into one.”

The students look forward to the event because it’s a natural extension of the expectations their teachers have of them each day. “This project reiterates our daily lessons of work ethic and accountability with the fact that they know their work will be on display. It also helps connect when they realize that their parents and the “whole school” is coming to watch them.”

“The minutes leading up the first “performance” are our favorite. The kids are getting nervous/excited as they get their costumes ready and places are being set. We gather the kids all up for a “pep-talk” and then walk silently through the “tunnel” of parents as they go their spot in the “museum”. We give a countdown and they all become “wax” for the next hour.” During that hour, guests are encouraged to visit each historical figure to hear a short speech prepared by the student. These are the moments that the students shine as they teach their knowledge to interested audiences!

These 5th grade teachers know that this project is impactful far beyond a history lesson. “There are so many life skills that take place through this process and the confidence that is gained when they are done is immeasurable. Many students are intimidated by this project when it is introduced, but through their perseverance and grit, as in life…a sense of accomplishment is felt by all.”

“The importance and significance of this project simply sums up what is done on a daily basis here in 5th grade. This is just an opportunity for parents and community members to see and hear about the academic and life skills that are taught as students continue to #getbettereveryday.”

Congratulations to all of our JPS 5th graders! We know you had to be brave and creative for tackling this project and you did it! Thank you to all of our 5th grade teachers as well for demonstrating creativity and grit in the classroom for our students everyday!