Our fourth graders stepped back in time during a memorable visit to Kings Mountain National Military Park. Under beautiful blue skies, students explored the historic Battlefield Trail and experienced the sights and sounds of the Revolutionary War era firsthand.
Throughout the day, students engaged with knowledgeable docents dressed in full period attire, gaining a deeper understanding of the weapons and tactics used during the time. They even had the opportunity to practice marching in formation while carrying wooden rifles—an experience that made history feel both tangible and personal.
The trip served as a powerful extension of their current literacy module, “The Redcoats Are Coming!”, allowing students to make meaningful, real-world connections to the themes they’ve been studying in the classroom.
“As a fourth-grade teaching team, we strive to create authentic learning experiences for our students that breathe life into our content," said Fourth Grade Coordinator and Lead Teacher Lacey Hester. "We spent weeks talking about how perspective, cause and effect, and analytic inquiry are lenses through which we should study history. Having our students walk on the same land as American soldiers, both patriots and loyalists, gives them the ability to practice empathy and analyze perspective in a completely new way. It also makes it personal by providing a connection to our community and its rich history.”
By stepping into history, our students are not only learning about the past—they are building the skills to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and understand the many perspectives that shape our world.