Wax Museum: Can I Have Your Autograph?!

Before spring break, my room was brimming with famous Americans for a star-studded event: our Wax Museum Biographies! Regrettably, it's taken me FOREVER to blog about it, but I suppose this is one of those times where I have to shrug my shoulders and say, "It's better late than never, right?"  Pregnancy has been the ultimate game-changer for me this year.  I have learned that I can only do so much, and all in all, that hasn't necessarily been a bad thing.  It's just made it a little more difficult to keep up with my online world... this blog and TpT.  As my due date approaches next Sunday (what?!) I am super excited to settle into my new "normal" and HOPEFULLY settle back into a more regular blogging routine this summer.  Fingers crossed!

At any rate, here are some snapshots from our big event!  As you can see, my kiddos got really into character again this year.  I LOVE seeing what they come up with, and I absolutely LOVE reading their reports!  This is always one of those projects that makes me realize how far my students have grown, and this year, since I had this group last year as third graders and again this year as fourth graders, the growth is even more obvious and glorious.  I could brag on them forever, but I will spare you, and I will shower you with photos instead!

In addition to their costumes, my students bring props to help bring their person to "life".  Some of them even go the extra mile to create trifold or poster displays to support their speeches.

Have YOU ever had a wax museum with your kiddos?!  I am telling you, it is one of the most engaging ways to hook your students and help them realize just how rewarding research can be.  Plus, it's such a great way to invite other students into your classroom to give your students a real audience!

Plus, when their writing matches the attention to detail that they put into their costumes, you know you've struck a nerve with them.  :)  Here's just one example to give you an idea of what I mean:

As you can see, this is the kind of project that teacher dreams are made of.