July 03, 2024
The Wax Museum project at City Academy has become a staple of the third-grade experience, combining history, research, and presentation skills in a unique and engaging way. When Erin Laurentius took over as the third-grade teacher, she inherited this project from Lindsey Pearson, who had led it during her student teaching days in 2016. Laurentius continued to develop and enhance the project, making it a significant educational milestone for her students.
The selection of historical figures for the Wax Museum is a collaborative effort between Laurentius and school librarian, Martha Altvater. Together, they compile a diverse list of potential characters, ensuring a fresh rotation each year. Laurentius emphasizes the importance of avoiding repetition to introduce students to new historical figures annually. “We added Queen Elizabeth II, Wangari Maathai, John Rankin, Augusta Savage, and Alexander Graham Bell for the first time this year,” Laurentius noted. This approach encourages students to explore a wide range of historical contexts and contributions.
The research process is meticulously structured into five categories: accomplishments, early life, education, family life (adulthood), and end of life. Students begin by analyzing the accomplishments of their chosen historical figures, which Laurentius believes is crucial for understanding their significance. “This helps initiate the understanding of why their character is important and what his or her most significant contributions were,” she explained. Students then create paragraphs for each category, initially written in the third person. These are later transformed into first-person speeches, allowing students to embody their characters fully.
The skills gained through the Wax Museum project are extensive. Laurentius highlighted the development of reading comprehension and critical thinking as students learn to interpret and condense information. Writing skills are honed as students draft, edit, and finalize their speeches, focusing on clarity, coherence, and engaging language. Public speaking is another critical component, with students practicing volume, expression, pace, and audience engagement. Laurentius emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding, as students learn about their characters. “Learning about someone else’s life requires students to evoke empathy of different perspectives and experiences,” she said.
Flexibility and perseverance are also key elements of the project. Students encounter varied information and must think creatively to present their characters accurately. Laurentius shared one example of a student initially disappointed at not being able to choose a dancer but ultimately becoming passionate about researching Ida B. Wells. “She immediately became captivated by Ida’s passion for writing about important topics and changing the world through her writing,” Laurentius recalled. This student’s journey from disappointment to enthusiasm exemplifies the project’s ability to inspire and motivate.
The Wax Museum project intentionally includes lesser-known historical figures, broadening the students’ and community’s knowledge. “Everyone knows who Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and Harriet Tubman are, but do people know about York, Mathew Henson, Ona Judge, Benjamin Banneker, Ella Baker, Henry Aaron?” she asked. Introducing these figures ensures a rich and diverse learning experience.
For many students, the Wax Museum is their first encounter with public speaking. Laurentius provides ample practice and feedback to build their confidence. “Many students are terrified for presentation day; however, I offer tons of practice, feedback, and guidance to ensure they are fully prepared and confident,” she said. This year, City Academy enlisted the help of volunteers from NISA Investment Advisors who spent several hours listening to students practice their speech several times and then helped organize and glue down materials for the poster board displays.
Watching her students transform from nervous beginners to confident presenters is a highlight for Laurentius. “They show up on presentation day empowered and ready to share their knowledge confidently,” she said.
The Wax Museum project at City Academy not only brings history to life but also equips students with essential academic and personal skills. Through research, writing, and presentation, third graders gain a deeper understanding of historical figures while developing critical thinking, empathy, and confidence.