C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Most of all, perhaps we need intimate knowledge of the past. Not that the past has any magic about it, but because we cannot study the future, and yet need something to set against the present.” The quote is a favorite of Madalyn Patrone, a social studies teacher at Rossman School. The independent elementary school in St. Louis County encourages students in junior kindergarten through grade six to ask questions, take risks and solve problems. At Rossman, learning about history is an opportunity for substantial academic and character growth built upon students’ natural curiosity to learn and engage with the stories of others.
With America celebrating its 250th anniversary this year, history is at the forefront of many minds. Rossman encourages students to engage with the past in a more personal and in-depth way. One of the cornerstone projects students participate in is the living history museum. While studying the American Revolution, students pick a historical figure to research. “It can be a soldier, politician, writer, traitor or an ordinary person,” Patrone explains. “We set up a gallery where students stand by portraits of their subjects and share their story with visitors, including parents and peers. It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding to see how history comes to life as students inhabit these important figures.”
The living history museum is just one example of how Rossman uses the stories of historical figures to spark students’ interest. For Patrone, history is not just about memorizing important dates. The subject provides critical lessons for understanding our own time and society, and that begins with recognizing why people in the past made the decisions they did. “You can’t understand the present without understanding the past,” she says. “I encourage students to look at patterns in thinking and consider similar challenges people face today. It’s not only the foundation for a high academic standard, but it also encourages them to develop habits and skills that will serve them their entire lives.”
Patrone is grateful to work at a school that empowers her to use unique approaches to enhance students’ learning. Rossman supports its teachers in developing lessons and projects that encourage a culture of inquisitiveness. “It’s a very positive and affirmative learning environment for students and teachers,” she notes. “Rossman wants students to have the most complete educational experience possible, and my students also challenge me. I strive to find more innovative ways to bring history to life because of how they inspire me to be a better teacher.”
Rossman’s history curriculum is a reflection of the school’s larger mission of using education to provide opportunities for character growth. Students are encouraged to be responsible citizens inside and outside of the classroom. “Learning history is critical for character development,” head of school Elizabeth Zurlinden says. “By studying the specific stories of individuals, students learn that every act of courage, every sacrifice, every decision made with integrity and every adversity can inspire a deeper commitment to living as principled citizens. At Rossman, we study the leaders who shaped our past to help develop the leaders who will shape our future.”
Located on 20 acres in St. Louis County, Rossman School serves children in junior kindergarten through grade six. The independent elementary school offers a challenging curriculum in academics, arts and character growth. Pictured on the cover: Rossman students participate in a living history museum. For more information, call 314.434.5877 or visit rossmanschool.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at the top: Students engage with history at Rossman School.
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
