Johnson fourth graders have spent the whole year learning, honing, and perfecting their research skills. From developing well thought-out research questions to presenting their findings in an organized way, the fourth grade team and I have turned these students into lean, mean, research machines.

Next week, these students will have an opportunity to share all of their hard work with you. On Tuesday, April 28th from 8:30-10:00 AM, miniature famous Americans will be lined up throughout Johnson school, posed like wax figures. Approach the famous American of your choice and step on the red button by their feet to make them come to life. Then prepared to be blown away – from costumes and memorized monologues to digital presentations and creative posters, this is one of the most fun and educational events of the year!

I was so impressed with last year’s Famous American Museum that this year, I had to get in on the action. Fourth grade students used their library time to create graphic novels about their famous Americans lives to add to their exhibit. Not all students are designed best for reports or oral presentations – for students that learn and express themselves best through art, this was an opportunity to show all that they had learned in a way that felt comfortable and exciting to them. Not only that, but we had a blast designing illustrations, covers, and putting the whole thing together.

Action shots of fourth graders working on their Famous American graphic novels, a six week research and creative project. I loved showing students that research can be fun, and that facts can be shared in a unique and creative way. Grades and presentations are very important – but so is having a little fun while you learn!

I hope to see you at the Famous American Museum next Tuesday, April 28th, from 8:30-10:00 AM. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn something new, see students sharing their hard work, and support another of Johnson’s wacky and fun projects! Oh, and check out some up-and-coming graphic novel artists, too 🙂

– Miss Messham