Students step into the American Revolution

Instead of simply reading about the American Revolution, fifth-grade students at Top of the World Elementary School got the opportunity Monday to act out what they have learned.

Students in teacher Brian Kull’s class came dressed in clothes reflective of colonial America and gathered in the Laguna Beach school’s multipurpose room to participate in the annual Walk Through the American Revolution, an activity organized by the California Weekly Explorer.

The Tustin-based company conducts similar educational events throughout the state, including Walk Through California and Walk Through the Ancient World.

Facilitator Jey Roy led students through a chronological series of events that included the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party and signing of the Declaration of Independence, along with battles of Lexington, Concord, Trenton and Yorktown.

Kull’s students have been learning about the time period for the last three weeks. On Monday the class was broken up into three groups: the British, the colonists and the tories — colonists who supported the British.

The students had been asked to research a specific person or event, and as Roy called them up one by one, each relayed the information to classmates and about 20 parents in attendance.

Roy awarded points to students who successfully explained their portion, and teammates encouraged correct answers with chants of “huh, huh.”

“This is a fun way to learn about the American Revolution,” Kull said. “It’s engaging and [Roy] is dynamic.”

Student Elias Pillsbury, who represented Benjamin Franklin, wore a maroon gown and a hairnet covered with cotton balls to mimic the period’s style.

“I practiced a bunch last night,” said Elias.

For the Battle of Trenton, students representing the colonists assembled in a boat made of cardboard to simulate the historic crossing of the Delaware River the night before, on Dec. 25, 1776. Led by George Washington, the group of cold and hungry soldiers surprised and defeated a professional army of Hessian mercenaries.

Influential women of the time were also recognized. Students told of Lydia Darragh, a Quaker who reportedly smuggled notes to colonial leaders regarding British attack plans.

Roy also explained the process of loading a musket, which included packing gunpowder as part of a deliberate process for each shot. Adept fighters could reload and fire in 15 seconds, Roy said.

Throughout the two-hour presentation, Roy repeatedly reminded the “colonists” about the power of perseverance.

“You are not giving up, and you are staying strong,” Roy said.