UPPER CANADA DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
R. Tait McKenzie Students Bring Learning to Life Through Live Wax Museum

Students at R. Tait McKenzie Public School brought history and global issues to life through two interesting learning experiences on January 28: a Grade 5 Wax Museum and a Grade 6 Social Justice Fair. While the topics were wide-ranging, both events shared a common foundation strong research, thoughtful writing, and confident oral presentations.

In the R. Tait Learning Commons, Grade 5 students stepped into the shoes of famous or influential Canadians for their annual Live Wax Museum. Students researched Canadians such as R. Tait McKenzie, Viola Desmond, Jim Carrey, and Chanie Wenjack and turned those findings into written brochures using the digital design platform Canva, allowing students to build both digital literacy and design skills. They then come up with simple costumes to represent their person, and prepared short speeches that they could recite when someone visited them at the wax museum event.

"Public speaking that's very uncomfortable for some students," said R. Tait English teacher Leanne Robinson. "They had to do some planning, preparing, and practicing, and I think they did great."

The Social Justice Fair complimented the Wax Museum by giving students the opportunity to explore global issues they are passionate about, including Afghan Women's Right to Learn, Education in Developing Countries, World Hunger, and Ableism.

Students researched charitable organizations connected to their topics, learning to identify transparency and responsible use of funds. They presented their findings through written displays and speeches, building skills in research, writing and oral communication.

"To see their passion and understand that even in Grade 6, they can collect money and make a difference for an organization that's doing good things in the world is pretty cool," added Robinson.

Families and community members were invited to tour both events, engaging with student presentations and supporting the causes highlighted at the fair.

Both events demonstrated the power of research, writing, and student voice to bring learning to life.