This class is history

Deirdre Newman

Colonial settler Nancy Morgan Hart tricked a group of Tories who came

to her house with guns and demanded food. She plied the Tories with

alcohol, took one of their guns and held them hostage until

reinforcements arrived.

How did she maintain control over the Tories with one gun?

She was cross-eyed so the terrified Tories all thought she was aiming

at them.

This amusing, historic scenario was acted out on Tuesday at Harbor

View Elementary School in Newport Beach as part of the Walk Through the

American Revolution program. The reenactment enabled fifth-graders to

re-create early American history, complete with costumes and British

accents.

“I think it really solidifies their feelings about America,” teacher

Linda Wawra said. “It develops their respect for history.”

The fifth-grade social studies curriculum revolves around U.S.

history. Students have studied the colonial period for the past two

months.

Preparations for the reenactment started about three weeks ago when

the three fifth-grade classes were divided into three teams and prepared

to act out a Revolutionary battle, such as the one that occurred at

Lexington.

“The kids decide what they should do based on history,” Wawra said.

They also chose a character to portray during the reenactment and an

area of colonial expertise.

While the Egyptian Walk Through program has kids coming to school in

togas and sandals, the Revolution inspires tricorn hats, knickers and

loafers with buckles on them.

Lindsay Zotovich, 11, stood out from the colonial crowd -- which was

mostly dressed in black -- with a bright red dress. Her costume

represented Abigail Adams. Lindsay said she enjoyed the opportunity to

immerse herself in the colonial era.

“We have to memorize a lot of parts, but it’s so worthwhile because we

get to go back in history and learn so much,” Lindsay said. “You feel

like you’re that person.”

And the parents who had ringside seats to Tuesday’s reading of the

Declaration of Independence said they were impressed with the richness of

the experience.

“I think it’s more fun than learning from a book,” said Kathleen

McAdams, whose daughter Erin played the part of Martha Washington.