I’m a public school teacher…therefore I don’t bash our system…it would be like biting the hand that feeds me. Of course there are crazy teachers, crazy policies, crazier students BUT all in all…I love our district and the schools in it. Owen goes to an elementary school that is NOT in our zone BUT it was the closest elementary school on the traditional school year schedule. I love the decision to send him there…he’s growing as a scholar and person. We have been very lucky so far with the teachers he’s gotten as well (more on his 1st grade experience later).
Now…in the elementary years kids are learning all the basic foundations that we all use throughout our lives. They are necessary for lifelong success blah blah blah. And because they are learning all the “must knows” sometimes they get away from the “fun projects”. You know the ones you remember your whole life! I remember in 7th grade my history teacher (Mr. Marmo who was amazing) and we did a lot of visual learning of history. I remember him teaching us about the plague by making fake blisters on his arms and popping the fake puss all over the class…and we did a living wax museum of the world leaders (I was the one in the group that dressed up). I have a HORRIBLE memory…so having ANY memories of 7th grade is something…and the fact that its about boring history tells you he left a mark!
Well Owen’s amazing teacher decided that she had a great group of kids and she was going to do an American Heroes Living Wax Museum. The kids got to choose 3 people and then the teacher assigned them one.
Sure you can guess who Owen got?!? He picked Elvis because Elvis is his Papa’s favorite singer.
It was a full research project. They had to make a timeline, introduction, later years and accomplishments, fun facts and pictures. Of course this was also a research project for Mommy and Daddy…we helped pull the appropriate facts from the internet. I learned a lot about Elvis…and I’m left a little uncertain as to WHY he’s considered a “hero”…buuuut that’s for a later discussion (click here to learn some weird things about The King of Rock)…we were filtering the facts to our little curious (who can read now) child.
The display board was done mostly by Owen…he wrote all the information, he cut out the pictures, helped glue the information down and played the stickers. He was very proud of himself.
Then Daddy went on Amazon and ordered the outfit and then on youtube to show Owen some of the dance movies and the lip curl. Seriously the cutest thing ever.
When I showed up to school the day of the Living Wax Museum I was totally impressed on how well all the kids did on their projects.
Here are some of Owen’s classmates…
Each kid had a “Push Me Button” sticker on their hand. When people were visiting the museum they would press the sticker and the students would start reciting facts or talking as their character.
The kindergarten class came through and Owen was so excited to see his Kinder teacher…
These kids did a LOT of talking ad fact reciting. Once one grade level left the museum another one came in.
The school’s principal came around and spoke with EVERY student…as well as our Superintendent.
Mr. Scott was very impressed with Owen…and learned a few things…like “more people watched Elvis’ Aloha Special then the first man to walk on the moon being televised”.
Dr. Lin, our Superintendent, sat and chatted with Elvis…and he asked if he knew any songs and Owen chickened out. haha He was very shy about the dancing, lip curl or any of the songs. Odd but I guess “School Owen” is different than “At Home Crazy Owen”
Daddy came from work to see his little man in action too. We were both so proud of him..and all his classmates for doing such great work!
