Unique Role Playing Exercise Helps Point Boro High Students Learn U.S. History

Just prior to the start of winter recess, sophomores enrolled in Mary Ann  Billerman’s U.S. History classes dined with the nation’s Founding Fathers at Mrs. Billerman’s Second Annual Breakfast at the White House event.

Wednesday December 21st, Point Pleasant Borough High School's Library was transformed into the White House Dining Room to accommodate Mrs. Billerman's five classes in a unique role-playing activity that puts students’ historical knowledge to the test.

In what is quickly becoming a favorite tradition among Point Pleasant Borough High School’s U.S. History enthusiasts, the White House Breakfast event provides students with an entertaining yet educational opportunity as they assume the roles of various characters from U.S. History while serving as a comprehensive assessment of the students’ knowledge of the United States’ National Era from 1789-1824.

“Three weeks of preparation culminates with the Breakfast at the White House event,” said Mrs. Billerman. “Building on what they have learned throughout the year, the students work together to develop a guest list of ten historically significant figures from the specified time period,” she said.

“The students must submit synopses of their chosen historical figures’ backgrounds as well as specific reasons why the figures should be invited to attend the breakfast,” she said. “Taking into account each guest’s political, social and economic views, the students then created seating charts for which they included their rationale for the seating arrangements. Students clearly know not to sit Hamilton next to Burr”

Mrs. Billerman said the students then assumed the role of one of their parties’ invited guests and engaged in debates according to their chosen figure’s historical viewpoints.

After checking in with and receiving nametags from the “Social Secretary” played by Mrs. Billerman's friend, retired Department of Justice Attorney MaryEllen Luthy, the guests dined on assorted pastries, breads and cheeses before launching into lively discussions facilitated by conversation cards at each table.

Throughout each class period, students acting as historical figures like George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson weighed in on topics like their character’s stance on the ratification of the Constitution, the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts and Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan.

Regarding Jay’s Treaty, eighth period’s Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Rachel Menzel, expressed dissent for the treaty, citing its  nature was contrary to  friendly French relations as well as the treaties disregard for the feelings of American Revolutionary war veterans..

As the students debated the issues, Mrs. Billerman floated between tables listening to conversations prompting responses and ensuring the accuracy of the students’ statements.

“Although this is a fun exercise, the assignment is weighted as a test grade,” said Mrs. Billerman explaining that the students had submitted their character’s formal responses to each of the conversation card questions prior to the breakfast.

“In their responses, the students covered the topics of Nationalism, Territorial Expansion, Sectionalism, International Relations, the Power of the Federal Government, and Economic Policies,” she said.

While political allies discussed shared viewpoints and opponents debated issues, the depth of their knowledge was abundantly clear with their answers reflecting their beliefs, affiliation and historical significance.

“The White House Breakfast event provides Mrs. Billerman’s students with a fun and engaging method to learn and retain United States History,” said Principal Linda Rocco. “Effective role-playing requires the players to become conversational on a variety of issues. As the students internalize the conflicts and issues affecting our nation’s founding fathers, they are solidifying their knowledge and retention of historical content,” she continued.

Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith echoed Ms. Rocco’s statement; “The White House Breakfast provides a unique opportunity for students to gain greater comprehension of United States History while assessing their knowledge of the subject matter. It is exercises such as this that exemplify the type of non-traditional educational experiences that result in exceptional students. I would like to commend Mrs. Billerman for sharing this exciting activity with her students.”