Continental Congress comes to Cougar Ridge classroom

Hear ye, hear ye: Cougar Ridge fifth-graders have voted to revolt to win their independence!

You might know that the Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775 in Philadelphia–but did you know it only just adjourned in May 2007 at Cougar Ridge Elementary?

Fifth-graders in Erin Perea's class reenacted this critical turning point in America's history by taking on the roles of the prominent colonists who made up our first national government. The students researched their characters and came in costume to stand before the class of delegates to make their case for or against declaring independence from Great Britain.

Combining social studies knowledge with lessons about how to create effective arguments, students confidently gave reasons and answered questions about why they would be better off without Britain: King George III is rich but not wise! No taxation with representation! The Intolerable Acts are … intolerable! There's an ocean of differences between them and us!

In the end, each student colonist voted to rise against British oppression by putting their "John Hancock" on the class's very own Declaration of Independence.

Now what? The American Revolution, of course. Watch out for pounding hooves and marching legions if you visit Ms. Perea's classroom any time soon!

Pictured above, right: Abby Cottrill as Ben Franklin signs the Declaration of Independence.