History comes to life through song

Ten years ago, Kim Johnson volunteered to direct the musical at the Robert J. Christen School (P.S. 81). Her daughter was attending the school, and she had a degree in theater from Northwestern University and a resume packed with performing experience and arts education, so it seemed like a perfect fit.

In fact, it was such a perfect fit, then-principal Melodie Mashel wanted more.

“She said, ‘Oh, do you ever use theater to teach social studies or anything like that?’” Ms. Johnson recalled the principal asking her. “And I was like, ‘Well, I would love to try it!’”

So for the last decade, Ms. Johnson has brought fourth-grade social studies to life through a teaching artist residency at P.S. 81, with interactive lessons about early American history that culminate in a performance for the students’ parents and the third-grade classes.

This year, the lessons focused on the Lenape American Indians, the explorer Henry Hudson, the Pilgrims’ journey on the Mayflower and colonial Kingsbridge.

“I teach in character and in costume,” Ms. Johnson explained.

While the students learned about the Pilgrims, for example, Ms. Johnson played the part of Master Christopher Jones, the captain of the Mayflower, and reenacted the ship’s journey with her class.

“We literally feed them beef jerky and stale biscuits and spray at them. It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “Even though we’re having a lot of fun, it’s historically correct. It’s based on what actually happened.”

On Jan. 29, Ms. Johnson was preparing the class for a big performance scheduled for later this month. It will incorporate something from each of their lessons.

“You are now my actors and I am your director,” she told the class. “You will be performing the ‘Voyage of the Mayflower.’”

The students gasped in excitement.

During their first rehearsal, Ms. Johnson taught her class to sing the hymn “Old 100th,” which historians believe is the first prayer the Pilgrims said upon reaching Cape Cod in 1620.

“All people that on Earth do dwell, sing to the Lord with cheerful voice,” Ms. Johnson sang, leading the students through the melody.

She said the upcoming performance will be a crucial part of her residency at P.S. 81, which will last for a total of 13 weeks this year.