5th grade biography fair

In fifth grade, the kids get to work hard on their biography fair project.  It is quite the undertaking. They have to research their person, type a 4 page report, make a timeline, a poster, and a puppet.  They are to dress like their person, have a food to represent who they are and share a five minute presentation with facts about their person.  It is a big project. Avery chose to do James A. Garfield of all people!  Why?  I am not sure, but we went with it.  He learned a lot about him and we had fun making a beard like his.  We found the suit jacket at DI.  Got to love the DI!  We had to think of a food to represent him, so I decided to make a crockpot lasagna.  Lasagna- because "Garfield" the cats favorite food is "lasagna".  Everybody thought that idea was creative - and yummy!  I got multiple requests for the recipe that night.  It was a hit!

 We worked hard with Patrick to get him ready for the night.  He chose Wilson Bentley. He was the first person to photograph a snowflake.  He asked if I could help him. How could I refuse.  We worked hard one afternoon to do his report.  He can't write or type very fast, so I had him sit next to me as we read the story together and I would ask him to tell me what to type on the computer in his own words.  It took a while, but we got through it in about two hours.  We went to DI and got him some clothes to wear.  He was excited that I got a snow cone machine for his item of food.  He dished out mini snow cones because his person was nickname "Snowflake Bentley".  The snow cones were the favorite.  He went with us to the Biography Fair and on our way, he said that he thinks his dad might come.  I was so hoping that he would.  Sure enough with ten minutes to spare, his dad and siblings showed up.  Patricks face gleamed.  He was so excited.  I went over to talk to his dad and explained to him how much this meant to Patrick.  I was frank and told him that I understood that he is really busy, but that his kids really need his support and help.  He understood and thanked me for helping Patrick.  I had talked to him on the phone a few times to make arrangements to have Patrick over so that we could work on his assignments.  He was grateful.  I wish that I could do more. But, at least Patrick knows that someone cares and he is important.