The Grade 4 Patriot & Loyalist Debate

At Mount Vernon, learning is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about experiencing it. When students actively engage in the learning process, they develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter. This was evident during last week’s Grade 4 Patriot & Loyalist Debate, where history came to life through interdisciplinary connections, creativity, and hands-on participation.

The debate served as the culminating event for the Road to Revolution unit, a longstanding and cherished part of the Grade 4 curriculum—a rite of passage for Mount Vernon Mustangs. For years, this unit has been a staple in the fourth-grade experience, with past participants—including some of today’s seniors—fondly recalling their own debates.

The months-long exploration of early American history began between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Students first built their understanding of early colonizers and examined why people came to the American colonies—learning that Georgia was a prison colony while Pennsylvania served as a haven for religious freedom. At home, they engaged in colonial life choice boards, making quill pens, colonial pudding, and Native American hide art, further immersing themselves in the time period.

As the unit progressed, students studied key historical events like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and taxation without representation, examining how these tensions led to a growing divide between the colonists and Great Britain. In early February, students visited the Marietta Youth Museum, where they reenacted events from the Road to Revolution through the Constitutional Convention. These experiences deepened their understanding, preparing them to take on the roles of Patriots and Loyalists in their final debate.

Parents had the opportunity to witness their children step into the shoes of historical figures, passionately defending their stances as either Patriots or Loyalists in a lively debate. But the experience didn’t stop at research and rhetoric—true to Mount Vernon’s approach, learning extended beyond the classroom. This year, in an exciting new addition, students performed a modified version of You’ll Be Back from Hamilton, making the learning experience even more fun, fresh, and relevant for both students and tenured staff. By incorporating music and performance, students connected with history in an engaging and memorable way.

“This unit is something that students remember long after they leave Grade 4,” said Allison McGregor, Grade 4 teacher. “The addition of the Hamilton performance brought a whole new level of excitement and engagement, making history come alive in a way that is both meaningful and fun.”

This unit also ran in tandem with the fourth-grade persuasive and opinion writing curriculum, ensuring students had the necessary skills to construct compelling arguments. By blending literacy with history, students built a robust toolbox of persuasive techniques, strengthening their ability to articulate their viewpoints in the debate.

The experience was further enriched by the addition of sensory elements, as families gathered in the courtyard to enjoy colonial-era treats like tea and scones before stepping into the debate. This year, the addition of the performance and the patio gathering not only created a more immersive experience but also fostered community among families while giving students time to prepare.

“My favorite part of the debate day was getting to write down my speech with my group.” said Jack H. Grade 4 student. “I also like dressing up and performing in front of parents.”

The Patriot versus Loyalist debate has been a beloved Lower School tradition since around 2013-2014 when the fourth grade team first introduced it in fourth grade. Over the years, small changes have been made—moving from a full-day event in the Kirk Center to live-streamed sessions during COVID and now integrating the performing arts and community gathering components. These enhancements, led by a dedicated team of educators, continue to make the experience richer each year.

This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Grade 4 teachers—Alix Jayne, Lauren Thomas (learning coaches), Shay Jones, and Amanda Lower—along with Mohammed and his Flik team, who helped bring the colonial ambiance to life. Special recognition goes to Allison McGregor, whose meticulous attention to detail elevated the experience with thoughtful stage decor, classroom setups, and patio arrangements.

By designing learning experiences that are immersive and engaging, Mount Vernon ensures that students don’t just memorize facts—they connect with them. Through performance, debate, and shared experiences, learning becomes meaningful, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery. The Grade 4 Patriot & Loyalist Debate was yet another example of how Mount Vernon amplifies learning by making it come alive.