Dear Teachers,
A revelation on the river came to the Hudson River Ramblers at our summer workshop for NYSDEC’s annual “Teaching the Hudson Valley” conference. Discussing ways to better show the Hudson River’s role in the American Revolution, teacher’s suggested we show character. We agree.
What can the American Revolution teach students? Is there something for them beyond the names and dates? How about character, leadership and how to deal with bullies?
Introducing, Revolutionary Character – finding inspiration in the stories and songs of those who fought for American Independence along the Hudson River. A new workshop for students by The Hudson River Ramblers.
It’s our noted performance program (based on our award winning CD Revolution on the River) followed up by our “A.B.C.” Workshop.
Revolution on the River – is an interactive performance in story and song of the American Revolution along the Hudson River. The Ramblers introduce students to New York’s tea parties. They dramatize what mocking meaning behind “Yankee Doodle” showing how it was written on the banks of the Hudson. Students will sing along on the choruses of battle songs from Stony Point to Saratoga. They’ll meet the teen girl who out rode Paul Revere. They’ll learn how George Washington “made a spectacle of himself” along the Hudson to hold together the new nation.
For a quick preview of some possible performance selections click here.
The “A.B.C.” Workshop
A = Action. What actions do you take to rise to a demanding occasion, to even become a leader? Following Sybil Ludington’s Ride.
B = Bullies. How do you deal with them? Look at how “Yankee Doodle” addressed British bullying.
C = Character. What kind of character did it take to create an independent country? Look at the character of George Washington, Benedict Arnold, Margret “Molly Pitcher” Corbin, and even your local heroic character.
Workshop Details -
This workshop meets and exceeds NYS social studies and and arts in education standards, especially for fourth and seventh grade students.
45 minutes for one or two classes
$125. per workshop, up to three a day. The workshop must follow up on our assembly performance, Revolution on the River.
A preparatory activity guide, tailored to your interests, is provided.
Workshop Activities –
Ask the experts, the Hudson River Ramblers -
Q & A with Jonathan and Rich
Creative Drama Skit –
“British Bullies or Patriot Pleasers? Students in two groups role play British Tories taunting American Patriots with “Yankee Doodle.” Key vocabulary is explained. Students brainstorm responses to the bullying, and compare and contrast with actual song verses.
British – (sing in a teasing voice)
Yankee Doodle went to town, for to buy a fire lock.
We will tar and feather him likewise we will John Hancock!
American – (hopeful or sassy)
Father and I went down to camp, along with Captain Gooding.
There we saw the men and boys as thick as hasty pudding.
We will tar and him likewise we will John Hancock.
Partner Problem Solving -
Sybil get up and ride! Two students partner and do a skit on what it would really be like at home if your parents wanted you to go out on a special errand. How would you persuade Sybil to ride?
Role Model Washington – What Would George Do? The Ramblers share a few very short true tales about Washington. Students are guided to write on how they act like George.
Storyteller Jonathan Kruk and folk balladeer Rich Bala have been rambling the villages and valleys of the Hudson River and beyond since 1990, performing the region’s tunes, tales, and traditions at schools, museums, libraries, camps and historic sites. Their programs and workshops illustrate the Hudson’s many-faceted role in forging our nation, from its importance during the Revolutionary War, to its use as a major transportation route for sloops, steamboats, and canals during the 1800’s, and even today, as the focal point for the environmental movement.
