Fifth-graders turn `corny' reading assignment into creative art project.

Byline: IN THE CLASSROOM by The Register-Guard

School: Thurston Elementary School 

Teacher: Carol Martin

Class: Fifth grade

Number of students: 32

Day: Nov. 2

Lesson: Working in pairs, students read and followed diagrams to make a corn-husk doll.

Purpose: Says Martin: "One of Oregon's common goal standards for reading is being able to read and follow directions. This is also a lifelong skill. To make the learning more fun and interesting, I combine it with an art assignment that incorporates our social studies unit on Native American cultures. To be successful, students follow written instructions and diagrams to construct a corn-husk doll. Adults may help with tying knots only."

Student response: "Some students said it would be boring but were surprised at how much fun it was," Martin said. The class talked about how Native American children's toys were homemade, not store-bought, as well as how the corn was planted, harvested and used. Students had difficulty reading directions but as the dolls came together, they made more sense. The students were having fun and didn't realize they were learning important skills, Martin added.

- Anne Williams

CAPTION(S):

Jade Hails, 10 (left), gets some help in Carol Martin's fifth-grade class at Thurston Elementary School. The students were to make corn husk dolls following written instructions. A finished doll. Martin says the students had fun "and didn't realize they were learning."