Kleyn-Kennedy: Highland students get living history lesson

Did you know there was a historical figure named Deborah Sampson (1760-1827) who disguised herself as a man and served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War?

She was discovered when wounded, but was honorably discharged. I learned this at Highland Elementary’s “Living Museum” held on Monday.

The museum project entitled, “Making a New Nation” was a cross-curricular activity from a unit of the elementary reading program, facilitated by Highland fifth-grade teachers, Debbie Bracken, veteran teacher of 23 years and Michelle Evans, now in her third year at Highland.

link Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy

Bracken sat down with me prior to the event to share some of the background:

“We gave students a list of historic American figures, and the kids picked who they wanted to represent. They really got into their characters, and, interestingly, some of the girls picked male historical figures to represent.”

There were some great costumes, and, indeed, President Theodore Roosevelt, Benjamin Franklin, and Pee Wee Reese, along with a couple of other figures, were female students.

Many of the costumes were elaborate with appropriate props. Gen. George Patton, depicted by fifth-grader Ben Fogerson, was not only dressed as Patton, the student had constructed a tank from cardboard and painted it dark green.

Preparation entailed students researching the historical character they’d chosen, using a variety of resources based upon established criteria.

In addition to preparing and memorizing their presentation, students also made posters that hung behind them. The posters contained a variety of information pertaining to the historical figure depicted: a timeline of life events; photographs, drawings, significant contributions highlighted, and so forth.

The “Living Museum” was held in Highland’s gym, with the historical figures ranged around the walls next to their mounted posters and props. Attached to each student shoulder was a colored, round paper “button” that visitors would press for the historical figures to come to life. This they did, speaking clearly and boldly, also answering questions afterward.

Many famous characters were present:

n George Washington, portrayed by Dravin Hanks, was fully decked out, including knee breeches, white wig under tri-cornered hat, and big buckles on his shoes.

n Benjamin Franklin, played by Madyson Miller, was similarly clad, with an impressive wig showing Franklin’s bald top-of-the-head and long, flowing locks.

n Pee Wee Reese (Kaydynce Borjas) and Jackie Robinson (Luis Diaz) — in baseball uniforms — sat next to each other, representing the actual real-life friendship the two historically shared.

There were several somewhat lesser known historical figures, including: Sojourner Truth (Zoey Salas); Grace Murray Hopper (Angelina Archuleta); and Wilma Mankiller, first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, portrayed by Mickeala Flores, and others.

It was a rich experience, and visitors — from younger Highland students, to parents and community members clearly enjoyed themselves.

The Highland staff was especially pleased to have received a visit from Clovis Schools Superintendent Jody Balch as well as Clovis Mayor David Lansford.

Elizabeth Sutherland noted: “Learning endures when an experience is meaningful.” It’s pretty clear some meaningful learning is taking place at Highland Elementary.

Cindy Kleyn-Kennedy is the instructional technology coordinator for the Clovis Municipal Schools and can be reached at:

[email protected]