Lakeside Elementary students step into character to explore America's founding
Fifth-grade students in Mrs. Szymanski's BTS Arts class are bringing the American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. Constitution to life through an immersive theater biography project. To kick off the initiative, Principal Lowry surprised students by dressing up as a Revolutionary War army general, engaging the classroom in character to model how to perform a historical biography report.
"When Principal Lowry walked in dressed as a general, you could see the students' eyes light up," said Mrs. Szymanski. "It immediately showed them that history doesn't have to be something you just read about—it's something you can experience."
The project challenges students to research a historical figure from the Revolutionary era and present their findings through a dramatic performance. By stepping into character, students explore the motivations, challenges, and contributions of the people who shaped America's founding.
The integration of theater and social studies allows students to develop multiple skills simultaneously—research, public speaking, critical thinking, and creative expression. Mrs. Szymanski notes that the approach helps students retain information more effectively than traditional methods.
"By blending theater and history, students are not just memorizing facts about early America, but are actively stepping into the shoes of the individuals who shaped the nation," she explained.
The culminating performances will be presented later this year, giving young historians a chance to showcase their learning and bring the past to life for their community.