SANTA ANA—On November 28, the fourth and fifth graders at Ari Guiragos Armenian School time traveled to America’s early colonial days with an educational program called Walk Through the American Revolution. This interactive history game, presented by a southern California-based company, mixes drama and history lessons as students portray characters from the period and act out important events.
Dressed as traditional colonial men and women, the students brought to life story of the American Revolution by exploring the famous events, historical figures, and relevant vocabulary of this important event in American history. Through dramatic activities, students “became” famous men and women of the American Revolution. Flags, maps, re-enactments, music, and games helped the students explore and understand the importance of American liberty and patriotism.
Students were split into three teams: the Red Coats, the White Torries, and the Blue Rebels. Wearing period costumes and armed with props such as toy muskets, the fourth and fifth-graders discussed and acted out three Revolutionary War battles and took on the role of several different historical figures from the period such as George Washington, Sam and Abigail Adams, Britain’s General Charles Cornwallis, traitor Benedict Arnold, Benjamin Franklin, King George III, French colonial supporter Marquis de Lafayette, and American flag seamstress Betsy Ross.
They earned points and extra credit for their teams by giving correct answers or performing their character’s lines with an accent or from memory. Those who wore costumes received bonus points.
By incorporating programs such as this to the Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School curriculum, information learned in textbooks comes to life, enriching students’ understanding. Each fourth and fifth grader enthusiastically participated, listened, and learned through this hands-on experience, as it proved to be a memorable day filled with learning, friendly competition, and teamwork!
