TIM MAYER
Staff Writer
North County Times
CARLSBAD ---- What many think of as dull, dry history lessons turned into a competitive sport at Kelly Elementary School this week as sixth-graders broke into costumed teams representing ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
A series of correct answers about the Nile River from 11-year-old Jodi Blosch earned 25 points Monday as Jodi ---- dressed as an Egyptian queen ---- led her team into a musical victory dance.
William Van Tassel, 11, took on the part of the sun god, Ra. "I am depicted with the head of a hawk and a human body," William explained, earning more points for his team. "I am the creator of the universe."
It's all part of what is called a "Walk Through the Ancient World," a two-day series of two-hour assemblies which cap off studies begun in December of the Mediterranean civilizations.
Led by instructors from the California Weekly Explorer company of Tustin, students are challenged to do research, memorize facts about the various civilizations, and create costumes for the historical team competition each year.
Decked out in the gold-belted robe of an Egyptian woman, teacher P.J. Taylor kept track of her class' progress Monday.
"It's a wonderful way for them to learn," Taylor said. "They really get into it, and it's very inspiring."
Laurel Harris, 11, steps up as Queen Nefertiti to tell the teams that Egyptian houses, many of mud brick, "ranged from hovels to palaces."
The programs this week drew an audience of proud relatives.
"It's great. It's educational," said Joyce Stiffler, there to watch grandson Zachary Cruz. "It brings back a lot of memories. We learned all this when I was their age. When you're my age, you forget it."
"It's really cool, and it's interesting," said David Deisinger, there to watch nephew David McIntyre. "I'm here to watch what they've been studying, and to show support not only for the kids, but the teachers."
Instructor Kate Warren of California Weekly Explorer said the history games are not only fun, but give the children keys to remember the facts they learn.
"The kids don't forget it," she said. "It's a really interactive program that allows them to be involved, and I enjoy seeing the excitement about learning."
Principal Carol Weise Herrera said this week's event is part of a series of professional presentations financed by the school's PTA for several years. Others include a Walk Through California about the history of the state for fourth-graders, and another focusing on colonial history for fifth-graders.
Each is matched with what the students are learning in the classrooms.
"It is so good for the kids," Herrera said. "Our PTA is very interested in sponsoring innovative programs for the students. It's the teachers, the students and the parents who make this school. They value education so much."
"We feel it enhances their learning," said Debbie Kloetzer, the PTA's vice president. "The teachers already do a terrific job, and we look for any opportunity we have to add to it. It's a great school."
Contact staff writer Tim Mayer at (760) 901-4043 or tmayer@nctimes.com.
1/24/01