Some of the most famous and influential people in United States history gathered in one place last week: Lanigan Elementary School in the Fulton City School District. The gathering was a “Biography Bonanza,” featuring students in the school’s second grade classes.
Second grade students, as aligned with the Common Core State Standards, have been reading more works of fiction and learning about books that are categorized as biographies. Tied to this, the second grade teachers coordinated a “Biography Bonanza” event at the school.
Each second grade student selected a significant and influential person in American history to feature at the biography event. Students spent class time as well as time at home with the support of a family member researching their person and his/her’s historical significance. The students utilized resources from the school’s library as well as online educational resources to gather their information.
Each student also created a display and found or made coordinating props and in some cases a costume for the ‘bonanza.’
On the day of the “Biography Bonanza” students not only dressed as their biography subject, but also assumed their identity.
They introduced themselves to “bonanza” guests and shared facts about his/her’s life and historical significance, giving students an opportunity to practice their public speaking and communication skills.
Highlights from the event included Walt Disney, George Washington, Babe Ruth, Jackie Kennedy, Barack Obama and more.