At Elizabeth Scott Elementary, fourth grade dual language teachers Vivian Rivera-Maysonet and Victoria Schilling and ESL teacher Brandy White guided students through an immersive re-creation of the history of Jamestown.
Classrooms were transformed into King James’ court and a Powhatan site in Virginia. Students rotated through each space, speaking, reading and performing in English and Spanish to demonstrate understanding beyond memorization, using language as a tool for storytelling, perspective, decision making and connection.
Thanks to art teacher Heather Levet, student-created boats and visuals added an artistic dimension that made the experience feel authentic and purposeful. The learning experience ended outside, where students gathered to share squash and cornbread.