Mars students bring U.S. presidents to life
ADAMS TWP — Though they've only been alive for two presidential terms, third-grade students at Mars Elementary School brought hundreds of years of executive-branch history to life in the school's cafeteria Friday.
Students in Jennifer McClelland and Kim Thomas' classes presented a “wax museum of presidents and first ladies” to parents and family members, donning their best presidential attire and giving short biographies to those assembled. According to McClelland, the presentation is part of the social studies unit on government in which students learn about the three branches and how presidents are elected, among other things. The lesson and presentations also happened to coincide with Presidents Day.
“The kids researched presidents or first ladies and instead of writing it out ... this is a fun way for them to present it differently,” she said.
After selecting a name from a hat, students were then tasked to gather information about the person they would portray. This included information provided by the teachers, as well as research online and in the school's library. They were asked to follow an outline and find talking points from before, during and after their selection's term as president or first lady. They also had the freedom to incorporate any additional information they found interesting.
On Friday, family members made their way around the room, pressing a “button” on the hand “statue” of the president or first lady. This would bring the statue to life, offering their historical research while dressed in period-specific clothes.McClelland said the presentation is the first time many of the students have heard of some of the presidents and first ladies who may not have held office that long ago.“They don't really know them, especially if they get one of the older presidents,” she said, adding that last year the program was held in November as a way of educating students about the election process.Museumgoers were all smiles as they worked their way around the room, many taking photos of the “statues” to commemorate their visit.“It's always nice to have parents here,” McClelland said.
