By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Learning history from the heroes and legends themselves is much more exciting than just reading a book.
Ballard Elementary students took a research project more than one step farther Friday when they were transformed into the character they read about and studied.
"It is great for the kids," said Misty Kreuger, a Ballard fifth grade teacher.
First they did a research project and made a board describing what they learned about the person in American history they chose to portray, she explained.
They wrote a report and prepared a one to two minute speech.
The students really got into finding pieces to make their costumes complete for the museum, to which the fourth grade classes attended along with many parents, siblings and grandparents.
The students stood still until someone came along. Then they became animated and gave their memorized speech.
Last year was the first time the school did this project, which Kreuger had seen in other schools. Then they picked mainly U.S. Presidents.
"They learn writing skills, speaking skills and an appreciation for the person," Kreuger said.The project board allows them to be artist, as does choosing costumes. They can be very creative.
"It is so logical, it helps with so much. It is very well rounded. It does a lot for them," she added.
It was also very entertaining, to those who came.