Supply students with paper bags of different sizes and crayons.  Have them look at buildings and draw windows and doors on their bags.  Larger bags can be slipped over their heads while they tell about their building.  Smaller bags can be hand puppets.  Either way, students become the building and tell its story--either based on fact, imagination, or a little of both.   Use information you and students have gathered about local buildings to tell their stories.  Use photographs or slides for students to use in creating their paper building. You may also use this method when teaching about the homes of famous people in your state or across the United States as well as in other countries.
  This activity gives everyone a chance to be different but still a part of the group just as houses are different but are an important part of a street or neighborhood.  This is also a good activity for students who are a bit shy about public speaking.  They can "hide" behind the building while  making a short speech.

This activity is provided by the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. It may not be reproduced except for classroom use without permission.