Monument Museum

What is a Monument Museum?

A Monument Museum is a live interactive museum where students represent monuments and symbols of the United States.  It also happens to be one of my favorite activities of the school year.  

Monument Museum - Interactive event where U.S. monuments and symbols come alive!

You might be asking yourself... where do I begin if I am interested in hosting a Monument Museum with my students?  Great question!
This blog post will provide you with all of the steps needed to have your class participate in an interactive Monument Museum.  Before you begin, I highly recommend that you click on the link below.  It is a freebie from my TpT store with the PDF versions of the items included in this post. 

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Freebie-Monument-Museum-Interactive-Activity-for-US-Symbols-Unit-3083005

Follow these step by step guidelines to create an engaging event that students and parents will absolutely cherish:

1.   Have students select a monument or symbol to research. Use the suggested list for ideas.  Some monuments/symbols should only be assigned to one person (ex. Statue of Liberty), some may be assigned to more than one (ex. National Rose), and some must be assigned to more than one (ex. Mount Rushmore).  

Suggested List of U.S. Monuments and Symbols

2.  Encourage students to research their assigned monuments or symbols.  The following websites are recommended:

    *www.ducksters.com

    *bensguide.gpo.gov

    *http://www.enchantedlearning.com/history/us/symbols/

3.  Assist students as they write their speeches.  Their speeches are written as if they are actually the monuments and/or symbols.  Use the speech templates provided as a guide.

4.  Provide time for the students to practice and memorize their speeches for the big event.

5.  Choose a location for the Monument Museum.  If possible, I recommend the cafeteria.  It is a huge open space for students to spread out and not be on top of each other.

6.  Send home invitations inviting parents and family members to the Monument Museum.  Ask parents to assist with costumes and props.  It is amazing how creative and helpful some parents can be when gathering the materials needed for this event.

7.  Assign this additional activity, Construction Paper Creations, while students are preparing and practicing their speeches.  It is amazing how creative students can become when given only three items to use: construction paper, scissors, glue.  Remind students that they are not allowed to use pencils, crayons, and markers.  Check out these amazing creations:

Mount Rushmore Construction Paper Creation

Washington Monument Construction Paper Creation

Uncle Sam Construction Paper Creation

NASA Construction Paper Creation

Bald Eagle Construction Paper Creation

National Rose Construction Paper Creation

So... the big event is approaching!  What do I do now?

1.   Set up 1-2 dress rehearsals.  Invite other classes to the practices.  Students will have the opportunity to practice their speeches and become more comfortable dressed as their monument and/or symbol.  Classes chosen to attend the museum will learn valuable information about the monuments and/or symbols of the United States.  Win-win for all!

2.  Assign students specific places that they will stand and/or sit during the Monument Museum.  Provide students with  ”PRESS Me” buttons.  These buttons are placed in close proximity to the students and are easily accessible to the invited guests.

Monument Museum Press Me Buttons (Color) 

Monument Museum Press Me Buttons (B/W)

3.  During dress rehearsals, explain to the invited classes what will occur once they enter the museum.  I recommend having the students placed into groups of 3-4 children.  One child is selected as the captain and that specific student presses the red button to activate the monument and/or symbol.  

Here are some suggestions/recommendations:

*   Tell the students not to share too much information about the Monument Museum with their family members.  Invited guests are usually expecting a presentation where they will sit and listen to speeches.  It is so rewarding to see their reactions as they walk around and watch the monuments and/or symbols come alive.

*   Ask parents if you can keep any costumes/props used by the students.  I found it very helpful to reuse many of the generously donated items year after year. 

*  Take pictures of the big event.  Wonderful memories to share with the students and their families.

Monument Museum -Interactive event where U.S. monuments/symbols come alive!

Monument Museum -Interactive event where U.S. monuments/symbols come alive!

    Please check out my American Symbols product from my TpT store.  This will also help your students research information about the monuments and symbols of the United States.  Graphic organizers and fact sheets are included for some of the suggested monuments and symbols.

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/American-Symbols-Research-Activities-and-Graphic-Organizers-1002042

Lesson Learned from my Mother

On March 8, 2014 my world was turned completely upside down.  My mother died suddenly.  In an instant, I lost my best friend and role model. Throughout my life my mommy (which is what I call her) taught me so many valuable lessons.  One lesson in particular resonates so much with me that I wanted to share it with others.

My mom's school picture - P.S. 106 Queens

My mom was a New York City public school teacher.   The children she taught did not have everything that they wanted and definitely did not have everything that they needed but my mom loved these students as if they were her own children.  When entering her classroom, I always felt like I was in a magical place where dreams would come true.  Student work was displayed from wall to wall and even hung from the ceiling.  The children were actively engaged in their learning and were proud of their accomplishments.  I knew from a very young age that when I grew up I wanted to be just like my mommy.  I wanted to become a teacher.

Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

 After my parents retired from the NYC public schools, they moved to Florida.  I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with my mom.  She became the substitute teacher at my school and the children adored her.  In fact, one year the fifth grade students voted her as a superlative for best teacher.  Teaching was not only a profession, it defined my mother.

My mom and I talked on the way to and from work.  One particular conversation my mom shared with me was more of a request.  My mom asked for the word “teacher” to be included on her tombstone.  To be honest, I was very uncomfortable with this conversation.  I didn’t want to think about anything related to my mom’s death so we never really discussed it again.  After my mom passed, I reflected on that simple request and realized that it was bigger than me.   My mom taught me that teaching is not a profession, it defines you and in essence, it is who you are. Educators have the ability to impact the future by helping children grow and learn.  Of course, my family honored her wishes and her stone reads loving wife, mommy, Gima (which is what her five precious grandchildren call her), daughter, and teacher.

Bulletin Boards on a Budget

Is it possible to set up your classroom with construction paper, markers, crayons, tape, glue, and a few paper clips?  The answer is absolutely YES! I am so excited to share ideas that I have observed by a dedicated teacher at my school. I am always amazed by her creativity and how she uses very limited supplies to make her classroom come alive. 

Check out the word wall below. It was created by using different colored construction paper and a black marker. The letters and papers were laminated and will be used for several years. The word wall was taped onto the closet doors with easy access to add new words. Such a simple, yet smart idea!

Word Wall

View the simple and efficient way to display writing resources. These resources help students become better writers.  Synonyms for basic words are written on construction paper tombstones with a black marker.  Transitional words are also included to provide students with a variety of ideas to use in their writings.  These resources are taped onto the cabinet doors.  So easy to create and so helpful to the students!

Writing Resources 

Take a look at this bulletin board.  The background paper is recycled articles from Time for Kids.  The border is simply created by linking pieces of construction paper together.  Student work is mounted on black, red, and yellow paper which coordinates with the border.  Small pieces of construction paper are added to enhance the board.  What a wonderful and creative way to display the graphic organizers about the Seminole Wars.

Bulletin Board

Notice the student work that is displayed throughout the classroom.  It is all hand drawn which enables the students to have complete ownership over their work.  Below are samples of work that focus on figurative language.  It will definitely leave you tickled pink!

It's Raining Figurative Language!

Awesome and Amazing Alliteration!

Observe the use of sticky notes below.  What a great way for students to gather and display information.  Students can easily compare and contrast information by writing their text evidence on sticky notes.   By viewing the Venn Diagram, the teacher can easily assess which students have successfully mastered the reading skill of comparing and contrasting characters from The Last Egret and The Sign of the Beaver.

Comparing and Contrasting Using Sticky Notes

Analyze the student work below to see that there are a variety of ways to multiply including area models, regrouping, and partial products. Student work is written on construction paper and hung on the window blinds with paper clips.  This display can be used as a resource for students to review the different methods of multiplying two digit numbers.  What an excellent use of simple materials to display student work!

Math Display of the Different Methods of Multiplying

Notice how much information has been learned about the American Revolution and the Civil War.  Students enjoyed learning important historical events by created illustrations of the various topics being studied.  These detailed drawings demonstrate how students have taken ownership of their learning and have mastered the standards addressed. 

Understanding of American Revolution through Illustrations

Understanding the Civil War through Illustrations

View another use of a graphic organizer to practice a variety of reading skills.  This hand drawn organizer enables students to explain the author's point of view, identify text evidence, search for key details, identify the topic, and explain the key points.  Students also practice the important skill of summarizing.  I especially love the hand drawn illustrations that make the student work come alive.  

Graphic Organizer for Point of View, Text Evidence, Key Details, Topic, and Summarizing

Graphic Organizer with Hand Drawn Illustrations

As you can see from these photographs, teachers can decorate their classrooms with student work that will not cost an arm and a leg (great use of figurative language).  With just a few supplies, classrooms can become inviting places where students are actively involved in the learning process.

Classroom Themes 101

Choosing a theme for your classroom can be both exciting and challenging.  What best represents your personality?  What would the students choose?  Some teachers choose not to have a theme and may use a color scheme instead.  Summer vacation is a perfect time to plan and organize for the upcoming school year.  There are so many resources to use online to help you create a classroom that is both inviting and conducive to learning.
Listed below are some of my favorite themes with creative sayings to display classroom materials and highlight students.

• Dog Theme - Students and teachers love dogs!  What a wonderful way for students to make personal connections with their classroom.  Even for students who are not dog owners, these cute and adorable animals brighten up any classroom.  
• "Barking About ______" is a title that can be used in a variety of ways.  Highlight a subject area or activity on a bulletin board.  Just add student work and this board will be something to bark about.
• "Top Dog" can be used to describe a student of the week or month.  You can create a bulletin board highlighting students for their accomplishments.
• "Dog-Gone Good ______" is another title with endless possibilities.  You can add words such as students, work, behavior, readers, writers, scientists, etc.  This title will fit perfectly on a bulletin board in your dog themed classroom
• "Paws"itively __________" is a wonderful play on words for a dog theme.  You can add so many different words to highlight students, subject areas, and classroom activities.
• "You've been Spotted ________" can be used for so many different bulletin boards.  Ideas include: reading, writing, working, behaving, and following class rules.

Click below for a free dog theme poster:

If interested in more dog theme decor, click below:

Dog Theme Classroom Decor

• Hollywood Theme - I have used this theme in my classroom for several years.  You can actually check out pictures of my Hollywood classroom on my blog.  I love the idea of the students becoming stars of their classroom.  If you like to coordinate your room with certain colors, then red, white, and black will really stand out in your Hollywood themed classroom.  Some ideas that you can use on bulletin boards to spotlight students, activities, and lessons include:
• "Spotlight on ___________" can be used for almost any idea.  Students love to see their work spotlighted and this helps build their self esteem.
• "Now Featuring/Playing __________" is similar to "Spotlight on _________."  You can highlight students, specific lessons and/or activities.
• "Wall of Fame" can be used to motivate students.  If students complete an assigned goal then their name can be added to the Wall of Fame.  Students become more motivated when they realize that their hard work will be acknowledged.
• "Starring ___________"  is another idea with endless possibilities.  You can add your class name, grade level, or a description such as super students.
• "A Star is Born" can be used to spotlight a student of the week.  Students can bring in baby pictures of themselves to add to this bulletin board.
• "Meet the Cast and Crew of ___________" is a perfect way to add your teacher name.  This board should be displayed at the beginning of the year.
• "Look Who's Popping in ___________" can also be used at the beginning of the year to introduce the new students of your class.  I used it in my classroom for Accelerated Reader.  The students "popped" as they earned points.
• "Hollyword" is a wonderful title for your word wall.  I used a wipe off board to display my words and hung the sign above the board.
• "Stage Crew" can be used as the title of your helpers bulletin board.  I labeled the helpers with all Hollywood themed names.  

Click below for free Hollywood themed homework passes:

If interested in more Hollywood Theme decor, click below:

Hollywood Theme Classroom Decor

• Jungle Theme - Another favorite theme that I have used in the past.  There are so many possibilities with this theme that it makes it easier to decorate a classroom.  I am wild about a jungle themed classroom.
• "Wild About __________" can be used by adding any subject.  Student work can be displayed according to the subject that was chosen.
• "Roaring About _____________"  is very similar to "Wild About ___________."  You can add any subject or topic.  Add student work and the board is complete.
• "You've Been Spotted _____________" reading, writing, behaving, and working are just some of the ideas that you can use with this board.  
• "Swinging into _____________" just needs the grade level added to it.  You have a perfect bulletin board for the beginning of the school year.
• "Welcome to the Jungle" can be displayed on your door.  Perfect addition to your jungle themed classroom.
• "Rules of the Jungle" can be included with your classroom rules.  It is important for students to be able to read the rules and review them often.
• "Exploring ____________" is another topic that can be used with any subject, topic, or lesson that you are teaching.

Click below for free jungle themed hallway passes:

If interested in more jungle themed classroom decor, click below:

Jungle Themed Classroom Decor

• Farm Theme - Love this theme for primary classrooms!  The main color of this theme is red and the animals bring along many other colors to brighten up a classroom.  Some ideas to include in your farm themed classroom:
• "Mooooving Along in ________________" can be used to highlight a grade level, teacher's class, or subject area.  Just place a drawing of a cow and the board is all set.
• "You've Been Spotted __________" is a great title for spotlighting a specific activity.  Ideas include reading, writing, behaving, following directions, and completing homework
• "Down on the Farm with ____________" just needs the teacher's name added and you can use this at the beginning of the school year to welcome your students.
• "Round Up for _____________" is perfect for any subject area or topic taught.  Add student work and the board is complete.

Click below for a farm themed reading certificate:

If interested in more farm themed classroom decor, click below:

Farm Themed Classroom Decor

• Pirate Theme - Students love this theme.  The colors include mostly red, black, and white.  Where do you mostly find pirates?  Sailing on the blue ocean under a blue sky.  So blue is also another color that can be added to your pirate theme.  Listed below are some suggestions to enhance your classroom:
• "We ARGH..." is a wonderful starter sentence and the possibilities are endless.  We ARGH following the class rules.  We ARGH prepared for class.  We ARGH excited for school.  We ARGH ready for ____ grade.  We ARGH readers.  We ARGH wishing our classmates a happy birthday.  Add your own words to this sentence starter and your pirate themed bulletin boards are all set.
• "____________ is a real treasure!" is another heading you can use on bulletin boards.  Add different subjects in the blank and you can use this to display your students work.  
• "You ARGH top crew!" can be used to highlight the student of the week.  Display these words on a bulletin board to showcase one particular student or a group of students.
• "Sailing into...." can be used for the beginning of the year.  Just add the grade level or teacher's name and you have a title ready for your back to school bulletin board or classroom door.
• "Gold ___________" can be used to spotlight students.  "Gold Readers" can be used to motivate students with a reading incentive program. "Gold Mathematicians" can be used to display outstanding math work.  You can use this sentence starter to highlight students who are displaying academic success, positive behavior, and/or showing acts of kindness.

Click below for a pirate themed top crew certificate:

If interested in pirate theme classroom decor, click below:

Pirate Theme Classroom Decor

Hope these ideas help enhance your classroom!  In the comments section would love to hear about your classroom themes and any additional ideas that you have.