Wanted Posters

Second grade kids created wanted posters inspired by the wanted posters of the Old West.  We learned a little about the history surrounding the pioneers of the Old West.  We talked about some major events during that time such as: the gold rush, railroad building and outlaws.  I explained that because there weren't enough police to help out during the westward movement everyday people were asked to try and help capture outlaws who were stealing cattle, robbing banks and holding up trains.

In order to make this project more personal we created self-portraits as outlaws from the old west.  I couldn't stand the thought of my students as criminals so our wanted posters are filled with reasons that the kids are wanted by friends and family... GOOD reasons! Some kids were wanted for doing super helpful things like feeding the cat or taking their shoes off by the door 1,000 times.  Others were wanted because of how they act: caring, kind, funny, etc.  The kids had a blast with this one!

Learning Goals: I can...

- Tell about the Old West

- Create a self-portrait

- Give 3 positive reasons that I am wanted by my friends and family

- Use good craftsmanship when coloring, cutting and gluing