Phil Campbell sixth-grade elementary students held their third annual “Famous Americans” Living Wax Museum last Tuesday night.
The community was encouraged to take a walk through history as the students brought famous figures from the past to life and shared their stories. There were students as historical figures from sports, music, science and history. Each student wrote a one-minute speech about the figure they chose and memorized it.
Phil Campbell Elementary principal Jackie Ergle said the basis for the project came from an old Benjamin Franklin quote: “Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I may remember; involve me, and I learn.”
The students left the project with a newfound understanding of their historical figures.
“The students hear often how America is the greatest country, but they may not understand why this is said,” Ergle said. “This gives the students a chance to see what makes America great. Many students were surprised at all the facts they learned about their characters.”
Eli Hall, a sixth-grader a PCES, was dressed as Ronald Reagan.
“This was a great experience that gave me a chance to learn about our country’s 40th president,” Hall said. “I think it is most interesting that he ended the Cold War.”
Chasity Jackson, sixth-grade Social Studies teacher, said the kids really enjoyed the learning experience.
“History is very important, because it teaches us where we came from,” Jackson said. “Knowing history will pave the way for the future.”
Jonah Walker, a sixth-grader dressed as Paul Revere, said his favorite part of the project was learning about a person in history and getting their back-story.
“I did not know that Paul Revere was a dentist!” Walker said.
Ergle was happy to see all the support the students had from parents and the innovative ideas the kids and parents came up with.
“We wanted to give the kids something other than classwork,” she said. “We knew this was a good way to get the kids involved.”
Phil Campbell Elementary School would like to say a special thanks to the parents and family members for helping their sixth-graders complete this assignment.
“Without their help, tonight would not have been possible,” Jackson said.
