HOLLAND - One of the largest dinosaur museums in the country is in Connecticut. Virginia has an island of ponies, and North Dakota has more cows than people. These are just some of the fascinating facts told to the audience of over 60 visitors and hundreds of elementary school students at Holland Elementary School during the third annual Parade of States.
The project was organized by social studies teachers, Tim Dodd and Nancy Peloquin. Geography of the United States is a main concept of fourth grade social studies and the parade is a culmination of six months work.
Dodd said, “A multi-faceted project like this provides hands on learning and that’s what we’re all about. The students improve reading, writing, and public speaking.” Students prepared their papers in social studies and writing classes and worked on their floats with family members at home.
On parade day the school was abuzz. Students who donned the costume of someone famous representing their state excitedly awaited the procession. The gymnasium was filled with students, faculty, family members, and 32 colorful, miniature floats. As the convoy began to move, a large covered wagon rolled past. Three-foot cacti, guitars and music memorabilia, ocean scenes, and a large chili pepper were part of the feast for the eyes watching on.
Fourth grader Noah Berthiaume wore full catcher’s gear, dressed as Carlton Fiske. His impressive New Hampshire float was equipped with Lego characters skiing (the state sport) on a mountain. Berthiaume made cardboard skis for his figures and added a chair lift.
When asked what he liked most about the project, he said, “Making the float at home. I got to spend time with my parents working on it.”
Leo Jaboury explained that students pulled state names out of a hat. He received a top grade on his research paper. Dressed as singer George Thorogood, Jaboury explained some of the elements of his eclectic, Delaware float - corn, an ocean scene, and their state beverage, milk.
Martin Luther King Jr., Stephen King, Johnny Cash, Henry Ford, Marilyn Monroe, Barack Obama and Sarah Palin were just some of the characters represented. All the students were proud of their work.
Makayla Silva, who reported on South Carolina, said, “I liked the speech best. I got to go up in front of the whole school. I practiced a lot.”
The students became authorities on their states and stood beside their floats following the parade to field questions from students and visitors. The audience clearly enjoyed the presentations and applauded all the speakers. The fourth graders were able to share their knowledge with the younger students and the younger students look forward to their chance at becoming a state expert next year.