Simonae Williams, the eighth-grade science and social studies teacher, uses a game format to teach students about the variety of challenges facing both the Americans and British during the conflict. Spoiler alert: America wins the contest.
“In a nutshell, I designate a student George Washington and another Lord Cornwallis,” Williams said. “They have a series of ‘Culper Spies’ and ‘Red Coats’ hiding out across three classrooms, and they are stealing and smuggling artifacts hidden throughout the hallways of the school.”
Students in Simonae Williams’ class learn about the American Revolution while their artifacts are hung across the room.
Those “artifacts” include crowns, scepters, The Declaration of Independence, The U.S. Constitution, political cartoons, and flags of the countries, among other things. When each item is stolen, they are hung up like a prize on display in Williams’ room, just like it happened during the revolution.
Six scholars qualified to be spies and were chosen for their respectfulness and responsibility. Jennifer Evans, the seventh-grade science teacher, accompanied the spies during their clandestine efforts to ensure fair play.
Williams made sure to send an email warning to her colleagues of the impending revolution.
A student wears a crown while learning about the American Revolution.
“It is once again that time of year where my students are going to start turning hallways into museums and gamifying lessons. So, this is my yearly disclaimer that if you see my scholars sneaking around, they are actually engaging in an active lesson of revolutionary capture of the flag.”
The spies were only allowed to be active during their class time with Ms. Williams and were limited to her room and the middle school hallways for their actions.
“They will not go into anyone's classroom or disrupt instruction and will be on voice level 0 in the hallways because silence is in the rules (they are Culper Spies, after all). If you see children in silly hats or with silly garments that are reminiscent of the revolutionary era they are in game mode and in my class at that time.”
Students pose with crowns and scepters.
Students also set up exhibits in the hallway detailing important information about the war. They had discussions about when to question authority, and the challenges of fighting for what you believe in. Williams said it’s one of the favorite activities of the year for the students.
“The kids love this lesson. It’s a loud and exciting two weeks of learning!”
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About Wake Forest Charter Academy
Wake Forest Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Wake Forest, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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