Grade 5 students in the Lower School stepped back in time last week, transforming classroom spaces into scenes from early American history as part of the Revolutionary Experience.

The immersive experience brought together live theater, hands-on crafts, interactive games and problem-solving challenges designed to engage students in exploring key moments and daily life during the colonial era.

In the McGregor Theater, grade 5 students performed short plays and presented tableaus depicting pivotal events in the formation of the United States. Families and friends were invited to attend the performances throughout the day, with multiple grade 5 classes taking turns presenting. 

Beyond the stage, classrooms were reimagined to reflect colonial life. Todd Clarke, grade 5 teacher, provided a fully transformed “tavern” offering students a glimpse into the social fabric of the time. The classroom featured colonial-style board games, food and beverages, and student-produced newspapers highlighting historical events, places and ideas.

In another classroom, Erika Higgins, grade 5 teacher, provided students with colonial crafts and games. Activities included creating a whirligig, a traditional handmade toy, and participating in hoop rolling, a pastime popular among children in the 18th century.

Meanwhile, Sillers Hall housed an escape room experience led by Melissa Fisher, Lower School K-5 Digital Literacy Teacher. Drawing on research conducted in Digital Literacy classes, students worked collaboratively to solve puzzles, decode ciphers and examine simulated colonial artifacts as part of the challenge.

According to Mr. Clarke, the event was designed to blend academic learning with experiential activities, giving students a deeper, more engaging understanding of early American history.