Main Street School Fifth-graders Bring History Alive With Mock Trial

IRVINGTON, NY — Main Street School fifth-graders, who had been studying about the European exploration and its effects in Latin America, participated in a theater residency program to bring history to life. As part of the program, they acted out the effects of the conquest of the Aztecs and Incas by the Spanish Conquistadors which they put “on trial” for their unlawful destruction of both civilizations.

The students, who worked with teaching artists from Child's Play NY, conducted extensive research to develop journal entries, write short scenes and monologues as they built toward the final presentation of a mock trial of the conquistadors, according to a district spokesman.

In addition, they broadened their knowledge of the American judicial system and worked with historical documents and artifacts to develop their own trials. Students also acted as jurors and cast ballots to decide a verdict in the trials.

“The theater residency program provided students with a hands-on way to explore the ancient civilizations and the conquistadors,” Principal Joyce Chapnick said. “They were able to dive deeply into the unit of study and they worked as a team in pods to create a viable script with the information they researched. It also provided them with the unique understanding of the perspectives of both the ancient civilizations and the conquistadors.”

By actively engaging in history, the students connected the curriculum of Latin American studies and American government to reading, writing and public speaking. The learning experiences allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of government, history and culture. Their work also connected to the fifth-grade enduring understanding of how where they live affects how they live and addressed the big idea of a turning point.

Chapnick said the students were receptive to their work with the teaching artists and enjoyed putting on the performances for their parents, teachers and classmates.

She said the project provided an opportunity for many students to take a risk and step outside of their comfort zone, while having an opportunity to learn the elements of drama, craft an original script and perform in front of an audience.

Photo caption: Main Street School fifth-graders recently participated in a theater residency program to act out the effects of the conquest of the Aztecs and Incas by the Spanish Conquistadors. Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.