During a not-so-rare occurrence, Neil Armstrong and Babe Ruth came together amongst other historical figures to talk about their lives. On Jan. 29, the third-grade class hosted their sixth-annual wax museum project in the auditorium.
Every year, the third-grade teachers offer their students a variety of biography books to chose from. Students can study an array of personalities, from U.S. Presidents to famous inventors. They then write a short, one to two minute speech about their life, which they present to visitors during a wax museum simulation. During the simulation, third-graders dress up as their selected individual and act like statues until coins are inserted into nearby boxes. They then perform their speeches for visitors.
The inserted coins collected in the wax-figure boxes are later allocated towards a special cause: “Every year, we take the students to Sun n’ Fun for their end-of-the-year field trip,” third-grade teacher Suzi Shea said. “We are usually able to raise $200, which cuts the price of the trip to just $5 for each child.”
Not only does the project assist in paying for the school trip, it also teaches third-graders to use social and oral presentation skills. The simulation also allows students to practice analyzing nonfiction pieces, and learn history in a fun and educational way. According to Abigail Pereira, a student in Laura Banes-Bradly’s third-grade class, her experience as Queen Elizabeth was both fun and enlightening. “When I saw Queen Elizabeth as one of my options, I immediately chose her. I had never heard of her before and was interested in seeing who she was… Who doesn’t want to be Queen?” said Pereira.
Third-grade teacher Denise Fugere gave Ella Papis, third grade, the opportunity to play Annie Oakley as her character. “Annie Oakley really inspires me to be myself and to follow my dreams. I remember reading about her and really beginning to like her,” Papis said.
The wax museum is a tradition that third-grade teachers plan to continue in the future. For those who were unable to attend this year’s wax museum simulation, a video is available above.
Story by NATHALIE BENCIE and PARK DIETZ