Social studies at Garfield Elementary School got fourth graders deeply involved in history and research. This week, these students of Cathy Shaffer and Jen-nifer Cody stood like wax statues in their classroom and walks about the school library.
When passersby from other grades in school touched their “buttons” the fourth graders came alive and shared some things about the life of their chosen characters.
The boys and girls picked historical as well as modern day figures, research their choice, found or design costumes, and rehearsed the biographical information they would relay to those who “activated” them. Sometimes it was one-on-one. At other times it might be groups of two or three listening and learning  from the fourth graders.
The characters ranged from early days of the United States to today’s sports and entertainment. Kansas natives Lynette Woodard and Amelia Earhart were among the group.