Connecting love of language and wonderful ways to recall historical facts about prominent people throughout history, the team of fifth grade teachers at Leeds Middle School (LMS) created a new way for their students to learn.

Currently studying biographies, these fifth grade students partnered up and read chapter books then created their own projects at home.

“They all read a biography chapter book, completed graphic organizers, discussed the material with their partners and took notes as they read,” said fifth grade teacher Brittney Hallmark. “They used the notes to help them with the project-at home.”

Innovators who have long been gone were brought back to life through the creative concepts of these LMS fifth graders.

The Wright Brothers, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, Lewis and Clark, Helen Keller, Pocahantas and Thomas Edison were a few among the cast of characters each student replicated.

Through a one to two minute oral presentation classmates were able to learn interesting facts about these historical figures.

Given two weeks to complete the assignment, these students relayed fun facts such as “Helen Keller was from Tuscumbia, Alabama, and at 18 months old she had Scarlet Fever which caused her to lose her sight and become deaf.” And that Lakota Sioux chief Sitting Bull was in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

“They were graded on creativity, accurate content (facts) about the person, neatness, grammar, spelling and punctuation for the poster,” said Hallmark. “For the oral presentation, they were graded on volume, eye contact, posture, content knowledge and staying on topic.”

Each student’s face served as the historical person they were portraying. Some even incorporated their hands as part of their presentation project.

“The students were excited about the project and proud of their hard work,” Hallmark said. “I was beyond pleased with the turnout. It never ceases to amaze me that our students continue to deliver great quality work and exceed my high expectations!”