In the Classroom

Chautauqua in Our Schools

Six years ago, Wingate Elementary School teacher Susan Hall learned about the Young Chautauqua program through national Chautauquan Susan Marie Frontczak.  With the support of Colorado Humanities and local donors, about 100 students each year become favorite Colorado historical characters, learning about Molly Brown, Kit Carson, Alferd Packer, Chief Ouray and Chipeta, and dozens of other state notables.  The program has grown to include eighth graders at East Middle School, fourth and fifth graders from Pomona Elementary, and new this year, students from Broadway Elementary.  A number of students continue to participate, choosing characters from a wide variety of interests including American or world history, well known authors and others of influence. 

Susan Marie Frontczak, storyteller and adult Chautauquan with Colorado Humanities, has performed at Two Rivers Chautauquan as Madame Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, and will, this year, appear as Irene Castle.  Part of her work as Chautauqua coach is the support and teaching of students in research, writing and performance techniques.  Another fine adult Chautauqua coach is John Stansfield, who performs as Enos Mills and John Denver.  

The in school programs require students to spend their literacy time for five to six weeks in research, writing and performance preparations.  With parents' help, and the support of local businesses, they work with classroom teachers and Young Chautauquans to prepare for performance day when they present their characters to their classes and families.  The climax of performance week is the "People's Choice" assembly that features two characters from each classroom chosen by their peers as outstanding presenters.   

"It's not about fancy costumes," Mrs. Hall says.  "It is a chance to integrate literacy and social studies - writing, drama, history, interpretation and research. When students have a chance to experience history in a personal way, connections are made about social, political, economic and cultural events and attitudes that influence our present day communities.  History truly 'comes alive' for students and their audiences."    

Two Rivers Chautauqua salutes local teachers who seek to inspire young people through our rich culture of arts and humanities.   

If you would like more information about the Young Chautauqua programs or if you know a young person who would like to participate in Two Rivers Chautauqua, please email Mrs. Hall by clicking here or contact Colorado Humanities.

Young Chautauquan Highlight - 2009

Zach Lamberty was an eighth grader at East Middle School. Having performed as Meriwether Lewis, William Penn and Oskar Schindler,  he entertained us with the work of Nikola Tesla in the areas of physics and electricity.

Phoebe Stoye was also an eighth grader at East Middle School. She presented as Abigail Adams.

Read about more of our Young Chautauquans here.  Don't miss these great talents!