|
The 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grade
students of Onekama Elementary presented a chronology of
our American Democracy beginning with the Declaration of
Independence and concluding with the present time. The
program title, American Document was inspired by an
original 1938 production by American modern dancer,
Martha Graham. Teacher, Gretchen Eichberger, adapted
the version for elementary students after adapting and
creating the nation’s first civic version in 2010.
"The presentation was a culmination in the study of
significant leaders that shaped our American culture and
democracy and it integrated Michigan’s Department of
Education social studies standards. Selected students
portrayed characters such as Thomas Jefferson, Sojourner
Truth, Jane Addams, Henry Ford, Walter Reuther, Mother
Jones, and Rachel Carson, all of whom have played
significant roles in shaping our society. The students
quickly realize that all these society shapers had one
thing in common - they had to be brave. They had to
stand up against enormous obstacles. Dances which we
were created by the students, and American folksongs
were integrated into the performance. The study and
activities that led to the presentation also instilled
our American civil rights and responsibilities.
"When children are learning about their nation’s history
they need to personally identify with the people shaped
who
it. It is difficult for many students to imagine the
life of slavery, being denied the right to vote or to
speak our mind, or seeing the Statue of Liberty after a
perilous journey from a suppressed country, therefore
through portrayal of significant figures and periods,
young minds go to that place in time, and identify with
the event in a meaningful and personal way. " |
