Oral Report: American Statue or Monument

Materials Needed

• Poster board or a large sheet of paper
• Pencil, eraser, ruler, and colored markers or crayons
• Library books, reliable websites, or printed research sources
• Printer or drawing supplies for pictures
• Index cards or notebook paper for speaking notes
• Timer or clock
• Optional: computer or tablet for research and creating a digital poster

Lesson Overview

Age: 12 years old

Length: Two or three 45–60 minute sessions

Final Product: A colorful research poster and a 2–4 minute oral report about an American statue or monument

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, the learner will be able to:

• Choose an American statue or monument to research.
• Answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
• Organize facts into a clear and attractive poster.
• Use reliable sources and write information in their own words.
• Give an organized oral report using notes instead of reading every word.
• Explain why the statue or monument is important today.

Possible Topics

Choose one topic from the list below, or select another American statue or monument with adult approval.

• Statue of Liberty, New York
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
• Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
• Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.
• Jefferson Memorial, Washington, D.C.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington, D.C.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.
• Crazy Horse Memorial, South Dakota
• Gateway Arch, Missouri
• National World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Success Criteria

A successful project will:

• Answer all six questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
• Include at least three accurate and interesting facts.
• Use at least two reliable sources.
• Include at least two pictures, drawings, maps, or diagrams.
• Have a clear title, readable writing, and organized sections.
• Include an introduction, main information, and conclusion.
• Be presented clearly in the learner’s own words.

Introduction: Hook and Purpose

Fun Hook: “Monument Mystery”

Read these clues aloud or write them on paper:

• I hold a torch high above a harbor.
• I was a gift from another country.
• Many people see me as a symbol of freedom and hope.

Ask: What statue or monument am I describing?

After the learner guesses, discuss:

• Why do people build statues and monuments?
• What can a monument teach us about history?
• What makes a statue or monument memorable?

Today’s challenge: “You are a museum guide. Your job is to teach visitors about an American statue or monument by creating a poster and giving a short oral report.”

Body: Research and Create

Part 1: Choose a Topic

I Do: Model how to choose a topic. Explain that a good topic should be interesting, have enough information available, and be possible to explain in a short report.

We Do: Compare two possible topics. Discuss which topic might have the most interesting history, design, location, or meaning.

You Do: Choose one statue or monument. Write the topic at the top of a research page.

Quick Check: The learner explains in one sentence why the topic is interesting.

Part 2: Research the Six Big Questions

Use the questions below to guide research. Write short notes rather than copying complete sentences.

Research Rules

1. Use at least two reliable sources.
2. Look for information from museums, libraries, government websites, historical organizations, or educational websites.
3. Write notes in your own words.
4. Record the title or web address of each source.
5. Check important dates and facts in more than one source when possible.

Formative Check: After researching, the learner explains one fact that was surprising and one fact that was difficult to understand.

Part 3: Plan the Poster

I Do: Demonstrate how to divide a poster into sections. Explain that a poster should be easy to read from a short distance. It should use keywords and short sentences, not large paragraphs.

We Do: Sketch a sample layout together.

You Do: Create a rough pencil sketch before making the final poster.

Part 4: Create the Poster

Include the following:

• A clear title, such as The Statue of Liberty: A Symbol of Freedom
• Answers to Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
• At least two pictures, drawings, maps, or diagrams
• At least three interesting facts
• A short explanation of why the monument matters today
• Sources written in small print at the bottom

Creative choices: The learner may choose to:

• Draw the monument by hand.
• Print photographs or illustrations.
• Make a timeline of important dates.
• Add a map showing the monument’s location.
• Include a small “Did You Know?” box.
• Create the poster digitally instead of on paper.

Feedback Stop: Before adding color, review the poster using the success criteria. Check that all six questions are answered and that the facts are easy to read.

Part 5: Prepare the Oral Report

Use the poster as a visual aid, but do not simply read every word from it. Prepare five to eight small note cards or a short outline.

Suggested Oral Report Structure

1. Opening:

   “Have you ever wondered why people build huge statues and monuments? Today I will tell you about…”

2. What and Where:

   Explain what the monument is and where it is located.

3. Who and When:

   Tell who designed, built, donated, or is honored by it, and give important dates.

4. Why and How:

   Explain why it was created and how it was built or became important.

5. Interesting Facts:

   Share two or three facts that will help the audience remember the topic.

6. Conclusion:

   “This monument is important because…”

Part 6: Practice the Presentation

I Do: Model speaking clearly, facing the audience, using an appropriate volume, and pointing to the poster only when helpful.

We Do: Practice the first two sentences together. Then practice answering each of the six questions aloud.

You Do: Give the report once while using notes. Time the presentation. Revise it if it is shorter than two minutes or longer than four minutes.

Presentation Practice Checklist

• I can pronounce the important names and places.
• I can explain the topic without reading every word.
• I speak loudly and clearly.
• I look at the audience regularly.
• I use the poster to support my explanation.
• I can answer at least one follow-up question.

Presentation Activity

Present the report to a family member, class, small group, or video camera. The audience should listen for the answers to the six big questions.

Audience Questions

After the report, the audience may ask:

• Which fact did you find most interesting?
• Why was this location chosen?
• What does the monument symbolize?
• How was it built or transported?
• Would you like to visit it? Why or why not?

Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Topic choice explained in one sentence
• Research notes checked for all six questions
• Sources reviewed for reliability
• Poster sketch checked before the final version
• Practice presentation timed and rehearsed
• Learner gives one fact and one personal reaction during reflection

Summative Rubric

Differentiation and Support

For a Learner Who Needs Extra Support

• Provide a list of approved topics and reliable sources.
• Use a six-box graphic organizer with one box for each question.
• Allow the learner to dictate notes or use speech-to-text.
• Reduce the report to two minutes if needed.
• Allow the learner to present to one trusted person before presenting to a larger audience.
• Provide sentence starters and vocabulary such as symbol, memorial, monument, designer, dedication, structure, preserve, and honor.

For a Learner Ready for an Extension

• Compare two monuments that honor different people or events.
• Research different opinions about the monument’s history or meaning.
• Add a scale drawing, timeline, or labeled architectural diagram.
• Create a digital slideshow or short museum-style video.
• Explain how the monument is viewed by different groups of people today.
• Design a new monument and explain what it would represent.

Conclusion: Closure and Reflection

“Tell It Back” Recap

Without looking at the notes, the learner completes these statements:

• “My monument is…”
• “It is located…”
• “It was created because…”
• “One important person connected to it is…”
• “One important date is…”
• “A surprising fact is…”
• “This monument matters today because…”

Final Reflection

Answer these questions in writing or aloud:

1. What was the most interesting part of your research?
2. What was the hardest part of making the poster?
3. What speaking skill improved during practice?
4. If you could visit your monument, what would you look for?
5. What advice would you give someone preparing an oral report?

Key takeaway: A strong oral report teaches the audience something clearly, uses accurate evidence, and explains why the topic matters.