In history class we have been busy working on projects covering the immigration era of the late 1800s to early 1900s. Students researched a culture group, and are now in the final stages of turning their research into one creative presentation. Art, storytelling, skits--complete with simple props and costumes, music, display items, food sampling, and even dances are part of the "mini shows" the students are practicing.
Oral presentations begin in a couple of days. The excitement is building day by day as they rehearse their parts. My classroom has literally become a prop room, a costume closet and a practice room all rolled into one. I'm even using spare rooms for the different groups to work out their routines. If you'd walk the second floor hallway in the morning, you'd hear lots of laughter, students encouraging each other in their roles, organizational strategies at work, and even unusual characters in costumes quoting lines.
Here's a sneak peek at what's taking place: Matt Ehlman has grown a mustache and is wearing suspenders these days. and you should see Anthony Zimmerman and Zach Klocke dance to "Dancing Queen". I don't know if it was the girls' idea (Maria Linkugel, Katie Bruegge & Courtney Schadler) or theirs, but the whole group looks good. Then there's the big, bad wolf running around (Jared Zerhusen) disguised in long hair and cape for Little Red Riding Hood, a German tale (Poor Nicole Zwick, she's the one the wolf eats.), and the Greeks (Corie Flood, Sara Bier, Heather Handrich, Kyle Lehmkuhl and Jeff Grayson) in Olympic sports gear, togas and more. Sara Goetz, Sarah Massman, Jason Keininger and Katherine Munzer already have a clever way to make an entrance that will catch the attention of their audience, and singing voices the likes of which I haven't heard before. Joseph Dedden is a natural with oral expression in his storytelling role, and is even entertaining his own group in the process . I could go on and on. Every 8th grader is actively involved. What fun!! It's creativity at it's finest!
These presentations will certainly help my students become more aware of how unique and diverse our culture is. We have a rich heritage because of our ancestors. Many wonderful traditions, customs and other gifts were brought here by them. My 8th graders are learning just how much their own lives have been influenced by those who came to the U.S. at the turn of the century.
I'll be taking pictures and will post them for all to see.
