A group of fourth graders pose as their living wax museum characters. Post photo by P. Emery.

By Judy Reed

If you want to know something about Mary Pope Osborne, the author of the Magic Tree House books, just ask fourth-grade student Aryis Crystal. Or what about Elvis Presley? Khloe Robinson can probably answer your question. Evan Galle knows all about Teddy Roosevelt, and Trevor Reed can give you the rundown on Jim Abbott, the Michigan All-American baseball pitcher who played for four Major League Baseball teams—despite being born without a hand.

These students were part of nine fourth grade classes—253 students in all—that presented a living wax museum last Thursday at Cedar View Elementary.

Evan Galle chose Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th president, as his living wax museum project.

Teacher Linda Paul explained that it is the culmination of their biography unit in language arts, and encompasses many different skills and subjects. “We’re doing things the state expects of us and making it fun,” she explained.

The students decide on a character, come up with questions they want answered about the character, do the research, write a report, create a timeline, create illustrations, and finally, dress as the character for a whole day for the living wax museum.

“The kids get really excited,” said Paul. “We start in January right after Christmas break, so it takes a long time, but it’s worth it.”