A Night Out with Living History

Story appeared in the 2019 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY SUSAN CRUIKSHANK, JUNIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

One of the ways that we can make the study of history more interesting and engaging for our students is to dive deep into the stories of past peoples.

Our students sometimes feel that history is far removed from their own lives and times, and they have difficulty understanding the relevance of past events. By learning about the individual stories of those who came before us, our students can make more significant connections to the past and in turn, develop a deeper appreciation for historical events and figures.

Our Intermediate students had an opportunity to learn about the individual stories of various historical figures during our Night Out with History in early March. As part of an inquiry-driven research project, students chose a particular character based on a social studies unit of study. They were then tasked with providing a retelling of some aspect of the character’s life as a historical monologue. Grade 4s focused on early explorers, Grade 5s delved into characters associated with the Gold Rush era, Grade 6s researched the positions of various stakeholders around issues associated with the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest, Grade 7s reached into the distant past to learn about ancient peoples and their lives, and the Grade 8 boys became experts on famous characters from the Renaissance Period. As a result, a colourful array of characters from miners, ancient Chinese warriors, Indian princesses, Barkerville business people, and advocates for the South American Rainforest took up residence in The Learning Centre much to the enjoyment of their interested listeners.

The students dressed in costumes befitting their chosen character and delivered monologues describing their lives, circumstances, and sometimes the struggles they faced.

Although each story was different, it was clear that all students had in some way “become” the character they personified. Many students spoke with great effect to share not only factual information about their character, but also to provide the listener with a sense of the character’s feelings and personal circumstances. In speaking with students after the event, several noted that this experience, although requiring much preparation, had immersed them in their learning to the point that some felt they really “knew” the character they were portraying.

The stories told by the students were fascinating and informative. Family members who attended the event shared that they enjoyed the evening immensely and were very impressed with the work of the students. The stories shared by the students were more than just a factual retelling. For myself, I enjoyed having the feeling that I had gotten to know a few of these “characters” from the past if only for a few moments.

There is power and magic to oral storytelling as we were reminded during our Night Out with History. Storytelling has the potential to bring historical figures and events to life and to deepen the learning experience of our students.