CES fourth-graders Mary Patton Hand (an Alabama slave), Lucy Ritter (General Joe Wheeler), Liza Brewer (Alonso Alvarez de Pineda), Robert Stephenson (a Native American), Elizabeth Sandner (Rosa Parks), Maddie Miller (narrator) and Alice Estes (the boll weevil) greet parents and guests on the playground after their performance of “From Mounds to Missiles and Beyond,” depicting Alabama’s rich history.
Crestline Elementary fourth-grade students recently entertained parents and guests while teaching them about Alabama’s past during their annual Alabama history program, “From Mounds to Missiles and Beyond.” Each student portrayed a person, place or event that played an important role during Alabama’s growth and development.
The fourth-graders brought history to life with their colorful costumes and a wide variety of highlighted performances. All students spoke about their character and sang several songs to correlate with historical events, including “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” and “The Boll Weevil.” Smaller groups danced to “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” “Canoe Song,” “The Five Capitals” and “Tuxedo Junction.”
Students demonstrated their musical skills by playing recorders during “Canoe Song” and the Alabama state song, while another group also performed sign language during “Alabama.” There was even a group of basketball handlers who delighted the crowd by putting on a good show.
Students merged social studies and fine arts in a meaningful way as they prepared for the production under the direction of Crestline’s classroom and music teachers. Parents and guests were pleasantly surprised to learn how entertaining and educational Alabama’s history could be when presented by Crestline’s fourth-graders.
– Submited by Laura Butler.
