Ancient History: Kindergarten Kids Learn All About The Fabulous '50s

Video by Gary Olsen
November 2002

he Fabulous Fifties to most people (including many of the teachers at Eisenhower Elementary) is a far too distant memory if a memory at all. We're talking a half century ago. But much of what our culture is today, which includes (lamentably perhaps) television, Rock-'n-Roll music, teen idols, and tract housing, started as seeds sprouting in that fertile post-World War II victory garden, whose Baby Boomer generation are the grandparents of these Eisenhower kindergarten students. In fact, it was probably the grandparents who crafted the costumes which included poodle skirts, pastel scarves, leather jackets, bobby socks, white tee-shirts (with nothing screenprinted on them, heaven forbid), rolled-up sleeves, and carefully sculpted hair styles.

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The occasion was more than just a cool ancient history lesson of 20th Century lifestyles, but a party celebrating the 50th day of school. "This way," explains kindergarten teacher, Peggy Herbst, "we can integrate the whole curriculum including numbers." It might be a stretch to say rootbeer floats and bubble gum blowing could be lessons in science and mathematics, but observing how Eisenhower's team of teachers work their magic on these kids, you soon realize that everything becomes a learning moment. Oh, and we can't ignore this valubable history lesson. We are at Eisenhower School, named after World War II's greatest general who became the 34th President of the United States and who served during, you guessed it, the '50s!

This event was very well organized around some very physical contests. Dancing and Hula Hoops, for example. The biggest fad of the '50s (they are still manufactured along with Frisbees), were distributed among the students and it was a hoot watching the kids try to keep them going. Rest assured, the physical education requirement was met this day at Eisenhower Elementary. One of the winner's was this whispy thin girl who quickly figured out how to keep it from touching the floor. She managed to spin the hoop so fast, she appeared to be levitating.

When the kids got their bubblegum for the contest, it was just the right gum (Bazooka) which, you may recall from your youth, were wrapped in comics (they still are!), and several of the kids were truly amazed at their good fortune as they tried to read the teeny tiny jokes. Very cool. But then came the actual bubble gum blowing which had to be demonstrated by the teachers for many of the children who admittedly had a tough time with the skill.

"Now don't touch each other's bubbles with your hands!" admonished one teacher with health risks in mind. Too late. In one child's attempt to blow a bubble, the gum launched from his mouth like a pink projectile. Thankfully, no one was injured, and a quick thinking teacher scooped it up and deposited in the waste basket like it was pink kryptonite.

Peggy Herbst, who is interviewed on the eight minute video clip featured on this page, is like no other kindergarten teacher you've ever seen. Imaginative, high energy, entertaining, and enthusiastic, she bounces around the room like an elf (you've got to see her dance on this video). But Peggy would be the first to tell you this was a total team effort. Such activities would not be possible without the dedication and creative input of fellow teachers, para-professionals, and parent volunteers.

Plus, the Eisenhower sixth graders, also dressed in '50s costumes, joined their kindergarten buddies, and that's when the party really started. The colorful cardboard jukebox, with the CD player hidden behind it, blared out the tunes, and everyone, sufficiently charged up on rootbeer and icecream, couldn't stand still.

Click on the video above, and make sure you turn up the volume. The music is fantastic.