Dave P
May 29, 2003, 08:17 AM
Here is a refreshing story about kids studying history, and playing with weapons:
By Linda Jump
FLORIDA TODAY
FELLSMERE -- Shouldering a musket made of two cardboard gift-wrap tubes and wearing a blue jacket with gold buttons, 11-year-old Cristal Raya went after the Union solders with a vengeance.
Fellow fifth-graders, dressed as Confederates, tossed Styrofoam cannonballs at their enemies, faithfully falling in the Fellsmere Elementary schoolyard in a drizzling rain Wednesday as if they were shot during a Civil War re-enactment.
A dozen yards away, student Juan Sanchez, dressed as President Lincoln, delivered the Gettysburg Address while Ulices Zamarripa, 11, as Confederate President Jefferson Davis addressed the Senate. Learning stations were set up with activities on the underground railroad, a northern factory and a pictograph of the war.
One student portrayed a shackled slave and talked about what life was like in the cotton fields.
"If the slaves didn't work, they got whipped," said Juan Rosas, 11.
"This is our big hands-on history project for fifth grade. It started out with my class four years ago, and every year it keeps growing," teacher Carolyn Sanders said.
Students in grades K-4 were able to see the enactment. Sanders said the event allowed the younger students to ask questions and learn about the country's history.
"The little kids look forward to fifth grade and being part of this. It teaches that history's fun," she said.
"It gives the kids a chance to see what it was like before the Civil War. It may be harsh, but it's true," said Allison Brombach, 11.
Brombach's class has been working on the projects for five weeks.
"After the FCATs, we have time to get into play acting," teacher Kristina Trahan said.
Sanchez had never heard of the Gettysburg Address until he acted as Lincoln.
"I had to practice for two months, but now I won't be as nervous when I have to speak again," he said.
Parent Lupe Reyna of Fellsmere learned of the school project after a note was sent home with students. "It's a good idea for the kids because they get to know more about the history," she said.
By Linda Jump
FLORIDA TODAY
FELLSMERE -- Shouldering a musket made of two cardboard gift-wrap tubes and wearing a blue jacket with gold buttons, 11-year-old Cristal Raya went after the Union solders with a vengeance.
Fellow fifth-graders, dressed as Confederates, tossed Styrofoam cannonballs at their enemies, faithfully falling in the Fellsmere Elementary schoolyard in a drizzling rain Wednesday as if they were shot during a Civil War re-enactment.
A dozen yards away, student Juan Sanchez, dressed as President Lincoln, delivered the Gettysburg Address while Ulices Zamarripa, 11, as Confederate President Jefferson Davis addressed the Senate. Learning stations were set up with activities on the underground railroad, a northern factory and a pictograph of the war.
One student portrayed a shackled slave and talked about what life was like in the cotton fields.
"If the slaves didn't work, they got whipped," said Juan Rosas, 11.
"This is our big hands-on history project for fifth grade. It started out with my class four years ago, and every year it keeps growing," teacher Carolyn Sanders said.
Students in grades K-4 were able to see the enactment. Sanders said the event allowed the younger students to ask questions and learn about the country's history.
"The little kids look forward to fifth grade and being part of this. It teaches that history's fun," she said.
"It gives the kids a chance to see what it was like before the Civil War. It may be harsh, but it's true," said Allison Brombach, 11.
Brombach's class has been working on the projects for five weeks.
"After the FCATs, we have time to get into play acting," teacher Kristina Trahan said.
Sanchez had never heard of the Gettysburg Address until he acted as Lincoln.
"I had to practice for two months, but now I won't be as nervous when I have to speak again," he said.
Parent Lupe Reyna of Fellsmere learned of the school project after a note was sent home with students. "It's a good idea for the kids because they get to know more about the history," she said.