LINCOLN — How do kids learn History? At the Lincoln Community School, kids are learning through theater. On Thursday, April 20, school fifth-and sixth- graders will give two performances of the original musical production “It Started with a Rock.” The production examines  “How are we affected by the systems around us and how do we affect those systems?” using U.S. history as a case study. Students have been studying and reflecting on this question all since the beginning of school in August.
Through student-written vignettes interspersed with song and dance, the performance examines the Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, the Civil War, the Underground Railroad, Immigration, and injustices throughout history.
Performers reflect on their understanding of just how interconnected American history is with enduring U.S. governing systems. As they have grappled with complex issues, students have discovered value and perspective in the connections between historical events and current times.
Through a generous grant from the Friends of Lincoln Community School, performance artists and educators Grace Freeman and Helen Weston have directed this unique and heartfelt production.  The dress rehearsal (open to those who would like to attend a day performance) is at 1 p.m.  on April 20. The evening performance is at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, please contact Kaela Frank or Tory Riley at 453-2119.