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Creation of a Nation

School: Genesee Community Charter School

City/State: Rochester, NY

Grade(s): 4

Format(s): Play script

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Social Studies

Project Overview

This script of a play was created by 4th grade students at the Genesee Community Charter School in Rochester, New York as part of a learning expedition on the Revolutionary War and the birth of the United States.

Students wrote, produced and performed this historical play. The final product includes biographies of each of the major characters in the play, the details of which form the background for the script. In their play, students attempted to document the major issues surrounding the creation of the United States.

Through their writing and performing (all students had roles), students participated in a thoroughly engaged way of understanding history, which helped make what could have been dry, isolated information feel connected and alive.

 

The play was performed at the Rochester Museum and Science Center.

How This Project Can Be Useful

  • Highlights a wonderful way to engage students in learning history
  • A final product that represents students’ work on multiple levels: their research about the Revolutionary War period, their writing of the play, and their performing of the play
  • Shows a unique way to present the script of a play – with the background research students used to write their historically accurate play

Common Core State Standards

Standard Long Term Learning Target
RI.4.1
  • I can make inferences using specific details from the text.
RI.4.9
  • I can accurately synthesize information from two texts on the same topic.
W.4.2
  • I can write informative/explanatory texts that convey ideas and information clearly.
W.4.3
  • I can write narrative text about real or imagined experiences or events.
W.4.4
  • I can produce writing that is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.4.9
  • I can choose evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection and research.
SL.4.3
  • I can identify evidence a speaker provides to support particular points.
SL.4.4
  • I can speak clearly and at an understandable pace.
SL.4.5
  • I can add audio or visual support to a presentation in order to enhance main ideas or themes.
L.4.1
  • I can use grammar conventions to send a clear message to a reader or listener.
L.4.2
  • I can use conventions to send a clear message to my reader.
L.4.3
  • I use formal English when appropriate.
L.4.6
  • I can accurately use 4th grade academic vocabulary to express my ideas.
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