History came alive for students at the Bradley School in Derby studying the Revolutionary War last week.
But first you had to press a button to make ‘em talk.
The kids took part in an “Interactive Wax Museum,” a project that was the culmination of a unit on the Revolutionary War.
Forty-five fifth-graders each chose a historical figure from the era, then wrote and memorized a one-minute bio of the person.
They sat at desks in the gym on March 31 and pretended the place was a wax museum — and they were the historical wax figures.
There was Betsy Ross, Ben Franklin, Benedict Arnold, King George III and many others.
Parents — and there were about 100 people there — approached the wax figures, pressed a “button” and the students would recite their memorized bio.
The Second-Graders
Meanwhile, 12 second-graders in the school’s enrichment program put on a separate presentation in the Bradley School cafeteria.
The second-graders, many dressed in clothing of the era, talked about what it was like to live in the country during the Revolutionary War. And they sang two songs inspired by the era, including “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”
Susan Falvey, the Bradley library clerk, said parents were heavily involved in the second grade project.
“Parents helped at home with the costumes and speeches, and the props. The kids had lots of props. They really went above and beyond,” Falvey said.
The Fifth-Graders
The wax museum project was conducted under the supervision of fifth-grade teacher Allison Hill.
Fifth-grader Matthew Gildea played Thomas Jefferson.
Here is iPhone video of his presentation:
“I was fascinated about how he became president of the United States of America,” Matthew said.
He wasn’t scared giving his speech over and over again in the gym because he had practiced.
“I wasn’t nervous. I was used to how everyone was expecting me to do good,” he said.
Josh Bouchard played Ben Franklin, complete with a bald cap.
Josh hand-crafted a small Revolutionary War cannon as part of his display.
It was made of PVC pipe and had wheels from his niece’s baby stroller. Don’t worry — he asked for permission before he used the wheels.
Why’d he choose to portray Ben Franklin?
“He’s an inventor, like me,” Josh said.
Here is Josh as Ben Franklin:
Reaction
Roldy Joseph, 17, was there to check out her little sister, Rolmendy, who played Betsy Ross.
Naturally, as the older sister, she tried to trip her little sister up.
“I was going really close to her and saying ‘Don’t mess up!,’” Roldy said. “She stuttered a little bit, but that was about it.”
Roldy was impressed by the fifth-graders’ commitment to the project.
“It’s really nice that they are getting to know history,” she said, as her little brother, Kenny, 12 months, tried to press yet another student’s button.
Bradley School Principal Mario Ciccarini credited Bradley educators Hill and Falvey for coordinating the two programs. He also praised the many Derby families who attended the event.
“They are learning it in a fun, engaging way. We’re trying to give them life experiences they’ll hang onto for years to come,” Ciccarini said. “The kids are very excited. That’s the most important thing. They are engaged and they are learning.”
