TUSTIN : Bringing the Past to Life for Students

She looked as if she had just come off the boat.

The boat was captained by Christopher Columbus, and Gwen K. Watson, dressed in period costume, was so convincing as a woman from the 15th Century that fifth-grader Sabrina Digiorgio said she looked “like she came from a time machine.”

Watson, 33, a San Diego State University graduate who majored in drama, gives what she calls “living history” presentations at schools, festivals and fairs. The Huntington Beach homemaker runs a business called “History a la Carte,” charging $25 for a presentation.

It was well worth it, according to the cheering students.

“I thought I was face to face with Columbus’ wife,” said 11-year-old Mario Lane. “She knew everything about Columbus.”

Watson’s 45-minute presentation was the climax of W.R. Nelson Elementary School’s recent Columbus Day celebration. The presentation was part of a monthlong lesson in world explorations by the school’s fifth-graders.

Eva Arrington, who teaches social studies to all fifth-grade pupils, said the presentation was intended to teach history in a “fun kind of way.”

“We wanted to get away from books, pencils and paper,” said Arrington, who is in her second year as a teacher at the school. “We wanted the children to have fun. We wanted to turn it into a game.”

With Watson acting out the story and using navigational props from Columbus’ era, the lesson was more vivid to the students, Arrington said.

Watson urged the students to ask questions or make comments to keep them involved as she gave the presentation.

Watson said she researches each presentation for at least three weeks before performing.

“Schools don’t have a lot of money,” said Watson, the mother of an 18-month-old girl. “But I love performing before children. This is an educational activity, not just acting.”