The multipurpose room at Hiawatha Elementary School transformed into a courtroom as fifth grade students participated in mock trial proceedings, where the famous storybook character Goldilocks was tried for her suspected crimes against the Three Bears. 

To prepare for the event, the students worked with lawyer Glen Vogel to learn about the fundamentals of the American legal system and take part in activities to reinforce the concepts. The students then put their knowledge to the test by acting out a case based on the children’s book. Each student held different roles in the mock courtroom as they brought the scripted trial to life. 

A jury composed of third grade students listened to testimony from the cast, which included the Big Bad Wolf, Chicken Little, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The activity allowed students to strengthen their public-speaking skills and learn to identify characters’ points of view through analyzing questions and answers.