Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts
- Practiced organizing information around the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
- Developed oral presentation skills by preparing to explain research aloud.
- Strengthened expository writing through concise facts and explanations on a poster.
- Used visual and written communication together to support an audience’s understanding.
Social Studies
- Investigated an American statue or monument as a subject connected to United States history and culture.
- Considered the monument’s identity, purpose, location, date, and significance.
- Practiced distinguishing key historical details from less essential information.
- Connected a public landmark with the people, events, or ideas it represents.
Research and Media Literacy
- Learned to gather facts that answer specific research questions.
- Selected pictures and information appropriate for a presentation poster.
- Practiced presenting information in a clear, audience-friendly format.
- Began evaluating which details best communicate a monument’s importance.
Visual Arts and Design
- Planned a poster that combines images, headings, and factual text.
- Practiced arranging information so viewers can follow the presentation easily.
- Used pictures as visual evidence and attention-getting elements.
- Developed awareness of how design choices can make information more understandable.
Tips
Tips: Extend the activity by having the student create a six-section research organizer for the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions before designing the poster. Add a simple map showing the monument’s location and invite the student to give a timed oral presentation using note cards rather than reading every word. For deeper comparison, have the student examine a second American monument and identify similarities and differences in purpose, design, and historical meaning. Finish with a brief audience feedback checklist focused on clarity, factual support, visual organization, and speaking volume.
Book Recommendations
- The Statue of Liberty by Lucille Recht Penner: An accessible introduction to the Statue of Liberty’s history, symbolism, and construction.
- The Great American Monuments by David L. Harrison: A child-friendly overview of notable American monuments and the stories connected to them.
- The National Mall by David L. Harrison: Explores important monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., and their historical significance.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.2: Write informative texts that examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.4: Present claims and findings with relevant descriptions, facts, and details, using appropriate volume and clarity.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.5: Include multimedia components and visual displays to clarify information.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.7: Conduct short research projects using focused questions to demonstrate understanding of a topic.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.8: Gather relevant information from multiple sources and present it appropriately.
Try This Next
- Create a six-box Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How worksheet for organizing research.
- Write five audience quiz questions based on the poster’s facts.
- Draw a labeled map showing the monument’s location.
- Record a one-minute practice presentation and complete a self-review checklist.