Grade 6
InformationalWritingHave you had dreams of mermaids growing up? Or maybe, if you’re like Eric Ducharme, you still have dreams of mermaids? Well, lucky for you, you can come pretty close to being a mermaid. If you are looking for a job and are crazy about mermaids, you can make a living by performing live as a professional mermaid, just like Mermaid Melissa.
Melissa performs at birthday parties, in shark tanks, and at VIP parties. Weeki Wachee Springs Resort, which has mermaid shows in Florida, chose her as one of their water ballerinas. Melissa says in her article, “Life as a professional mermaid” on priceonomics.com, “To be selected as one of the park’s thirty-five full-time mermaids was an honor and a privilege: women came from across the world to audition.”
So what about the mermaid tails? What are they made of? That is the exact question I asked Eric Ducharme. His reply was, “Our silicone tails are made of a special-effects-grade silicone.”
Eric is the owner of a company that actually makes the mermaid tails. He works as a part-time merman, and also loves mermaids. “I am [still] and always will be, a merman first at heart. That is my inspiration for designing tails.” Eric was still a kid when he started making tails out of anything he could find, including garbage, bags, glue, masking tape, and the sheets off his own bed,” according to Mertailor’s official website. Eric also performed at Weeki Wachee as the prince when he was just sixteen years old. He’s twenty-two now and the owner of Mertailor.
So where did it all begin? Well, one of the earlier, more famous mermaids was Annette Kellerman. She was born on July 6, 1886, and died on November 6, 1975. She dove from ninety-two feet into the sea and from sixty feet into a pool of crocodiles as one of the stunts in her films. In films, she normally started as a mermaid whose name was a variation of her own name, Annette. She won the women’s mile and 100-yard swimming competition in South Wales. She even got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her “fairytale films.” And she made or designed most of the mermaid tails for her films, which are similar to the ones used today by Weeki Wachee Springs mermaids.
Esther Williams was also a competitive swimmer and much actress. She wasn’t that famous for becoming a mermaid as much as her competitive swimming and diving. The reason she’s still included in the history of mermaids is because of her films, where (just like Annette Kellerman) she acted as a mermaid. She was very much a daredevil, and almost got herself killed when she jumped from 115 feet and broke her neck while performing in the film Million Dollar Mermaid.
So where can you go to see these fabulous mermaids? The best place to go is Weeki Wachee, where both Melissa the mermaid and Eric Ducharme performed.
It was “founded” in 1946, by Newton Perri, who was trained to swim underwater in World War II. They invented a form of breathing under water while smiling and without having an air tank strapped on their backs. If there’s one thing you take away from this article, it’s that mermaids aren’t just a myth anymore, they’re jobs for dreamers.
No materials available for download.
by Chelsea, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Daddy Longlegs.
by Jose Martin Gomez, 826 Valencia
This poem celebrates a special person in the writer's life.
by Renee, 826NYC
A poem that explores all that a tree can stand for.
by Talia, 826NYC
A creative field guide to Sea Lettuce.
by Faisa Y., Grade 6, 826MSP
A student describes their comfort fairy imaginary friend.
by Emmanuel, 826DC
A personal narrative about a tender first sighting between brothers on a family trip to El Salvador.
by Luis, 826LA
A rap song dedicated to the Marvel comic writer Stan Lee and his inspired creations like the Hulk, Deadpool, Iron Man, and The Fantastic Four.
by Luis, 826LA
This student writes a letter to a hero with a sweet double kick: Jackie Chan!
by Meredith, 826michigan
A poem about globe-sized dreams.
by Najah, Grade 6, 826 MSP
A student appreciates and reflects on her mother's kindness over the years.
by Claire Leiva, Grade 6, 826michigan
A poem about the writer's favorite animal--corgis!
by Penelope, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Super Duper Scarlet must save San Fran Superland from Doctor Nefario!
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Wayne Gillyard, 826 Valencia
This poem shares the writer's love of all things yellow.
by Ari, 826CHI
In the Realm of Virtues, a search for attention and significance teaches these characters an important lesson about what it means to be human!
by Isabella, 826CHI
A student describes a scrumptious five-course meal—everything except the vegetables, that is!
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning sushi to surviving the sixth grade.
by Smila H., Age 10, 826LA
A powerful acrostic poem that shares an encouraging message.
by Kathryn, 826NYC
A very scientific origin poem about french fries, starting with an argument between the sun and the moon.
by Athena, 826NYC
An "I Am From" superhero persona poem.
by Khloe Fewster, 826 Valencia
This poem uses repetition to give advice for when you're feeling unsure of yourself.
by Jesús, 826 Valencia
In this superhero story, Spyman is on an important mission—saving donuts from becoming bagels!
by Kaiya S., Grade 6, 826DC
The harrowing tale of a super spy student vs. the villainous Mr.X.
by Krisbel D.L.M., Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A letter to the next President asking them to support immigration laws that will allow them to see their family.
by Uma Cantone, 826NYC
Ever wonder what would happen if the sky fell? This student uses metaphor to explore new beginnings.
by Ayana A., Grade 6, 826NYC
by Robert, 826CHI
A collection of haikus spanning books and cosmology.
by Andres Santisteban-Perez, age 12, 826 Valencia
When playing video games night turned into a nightmare.
by Kelis, 826michigan
This student describes what it would be like to become the first female president, campaigning on education for all, friendlier attitudes, more food and housing, and snow days!
by Guinevre, 826CHI
A persuasive letter with a few ideas on how to improve cafeteria lunches at school.
by Valary K., Grade 6, 826 MSP
A story about a mysterious tunnel that leaves you on the edge of your seat!
by Kaitlyn, 826NYC
A creation myth reimagined in a poem.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Ramatoulie, 826DC
A student shares memories of transitioning from Gambia to a new home in the United States, complete with a snowy encounter.
by Brigid, 826CHI
A poem about facing fear—and learning how to shine.
by Harrison, 826michigan
A recursive poem that helps students explore the potential connections between math fractals and verse.
by Marisa, 826michigan
A series of tweets about an adventurous cat named Marcus. #SuperCat #Meow
by Evelyn Escamilla, 826 Valencia
This poem uses metaphors and similes to describe happiness.
by Charlotte, 826CHI
A poem about spring!
by Uma, 826NYC
A witty set of foolproof pickup lines.
by Destiny, 826NYC
In this poem, a student contrasts conflicting perspectives on the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
by Marco, 826LA
A screenplay about a plane crash and an epic journey to Mexico, with a twist!
by Simone, 826michigan
A poem about appreciating trees and why we should study them.
by Saeed, 826NYC
Food justice advocacy is reimagined by this student as an epic battle rages between Nutriman, Captain Nutritional, and Junkster in a school cafeteria!
by Armaan, 826CHI
This author recounts the beginning of a family tradition: the best homemade sandwich ever!
by Yanni, 826NYC
This poem is written in the style of William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say” and celebrates small acts of unapologetic joy.
by Joseline, 826DC
A personal narrative about a teensie, tiny bit of jealousy for a new baby sister turning into love.
by Kyle I., Grade 6, Kansas City, MO
A gender-fluid student's call to action to the next U.S. president to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
by Giovanna, 826NYC
An informative how-to on using a pen that can manipulate time and space.
by Liliana, 826DC
This student’s heartbreaking personal narrative describes what it can feel like to have your parents get divorced.
by Marisa, 826NYC
A student reports on Islamophobia, using research and interviews to explore this mindset and its damaging repercussions.
by Madison, 826 New Orleans
This poem leaves the reader descriptive clues to help them guess the mystery food.
by Angelina Do, Grade 6, 826 Valencia
A poem about living in the space between two cultures.
by Milo, 826NYC
A creative origin story in which a programmer simultaneously creates life and biology in a program.
by Khari Garris, New York, NY
A student remembers what life was like before the COVID-19 pandemic, and imagines a brighter day when schools reopen.
by Athena, 826NYC
In this poem, a student explores both the seen and unseen powers of a superhero.
by Juna, 826michigan
A poem about taking the world in—and letting go.
by Elsy, 826LA
Song lyrics about memories of cake and pizza, friendship, and giving 1,000 opinions.
by Sophia, 826CHI
In this poem, a student makes some noise about resilience and beating the odds.
Jerieliz Garcia & Jaiden Vinti, 826NYC
Two poets braid together their reflections on where they come from.
by Alondra, 826CHI
An epic story of a princess who seeks acceptance among the stars.
by Janelle Suazo, age 12, 826 Valencia
A school dare gone horribly wrong!
by Leslie, 826NYC
In this imaginative narrative about food justice, Golden Girl and LoLo go up against the evil Chemical Bug so kids everywhere can eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
A writer's fake news article about a miracle drug that can cure anything.
by Kevin J. Ortiz, 826DC
A personal narrative about a trip to Ocean City, a lonely puppy, and sharing our fears with others.
by Jacore, 826 Valencia
An intriguing and educational essay discussing environmental consciousness and the devastating effects of global warming.
by Jalen, 826NYC
A series of superhero haiku inspired by engineering secret lairs.
by Jin, 826LA
This student says thank you to her Mom, her hero, for a life full love and beef noodles!
by Gael, 826CHI
A poem about becoming a dancer.
by Elaine, 826 Boston
A diary entry reflecting on a secret mission to Mars!
by John, 826NYC
A creative commentary on food justice in which Digestive Man defends local farms from Corn Boy and the Factory Farmers!
by Amaya, 826michigan
A letter devoted to a favorite fruit that’s sweet and sour just like this student’s favorite candy: Sour Patch Kids!
by Daphne, 826 Valencia
A girl named Chloe embarks on a heroic mission after discovering a new super-identity: Fluffy Justice!
by Christian, 826michigan
In this resolution inspired by the "Include Someone" lesson and Cartoon Network storyboard, we learn that sometimes the easiest way to make someone feel included is by lending a hand.
Jaylin Guevarro, Grade 6, 826NYC
A poet admires their loved one through this warming ode.
by Gael, 826CHI
A short but powerful poem about the circular nature of history.
by 826NYC students Ash Doliber, Sidney Edelson, Ella Holland, Mavis Lu, Justin Nemeroff, Bird Rzepniewski, and Isabella Wu
This collaborative poem explores the many sides and senses of laughter.
by Kevin, 826NYC
A wizened middle schooler offers the benefits of sixth grade to younger readers, sprinkling in a few tips to survive and thrive in their year ahead.
by Satis, 826 Valencia
A student argues for the importance of transgender rights in response to current events.
bookmark
download
Share