Mr. Funky Teacher Internet Classroom

Mr. Funky Teacher Internet Classroom — Nicholas Kleve
Greatness Lives
in Every Student.
MR. KLEVE’S FIFTH GRADE • WINNEBAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

What we believe about ourselves matters.

Learning.
Leading.
Growing.

I can do hard things!

I am unstoppable!

I matter!

I am smart!

I can change the world!

Hamilton Project

History • Music • Storytelling • Perspective

We use selected songs, scenes, and classroom-safe videos inspired by Hamilton to make the story of the early United States more engaging and memorable.

The goal is not just to watch a musical. The goal is to listen closely, ask questions, examine perspective, and connect storytelling with the history we are studying.

Why Hamilton?

Music and storytelling can help history feel less distant. As we listen and watch, we pay attention to the choices people made, the conflicts they faced, and the different ways a story can be told.

We also remember that a stage musical is a creative interpretation. In class, we compare what we see and hear with historical sources and what we are learning together.

What We’re Learning

  • People and events connected to the American Revolution and the early United States
  • Cause and effect in historical events
  • Leadership, choices, conflict, and consequences
  • Point of view and perspective
  • How to separate dramatic storytelling from historical evidence

How to Use This Page

  1. Listen for the story. Who is speaking, and what is happening?
  2. Identify the history. What person, event, idea, or conflict connects to what we are learning?
  3. Question the perspective. Whose point of view are we hearing?
  4. Check the evidence. Compare the musical’s storytelling with class texts, sources, and discussion.
  5. Think deeper. What choices mattered, and what were the consequences?

Working with Lemons: Hamilton in Real Life

Working with Lemons created family-friendly, live-action versions of several Hamilton songs. These five are the Hamilton productions confirmed through their own website.

Complete Hamilton Song List

46 songs • Original Broadway Cast Recording

Each song title below opens the verified Warner Music Canada full soundtrack video directly at that song’s chapter.

Teacher-directed resource: some songs contain explicit language or mature subject matter and may not be appropriate for independent elementary student viewing.

History Check

A musical is not a primary source. It can help us become curious about history, but we still ask: What is documented? What has been changed for storytelling? What perspectives might be missing?

That is what historians do — they ask questions, compare evidence, and keep learning.

Keep Exploring

As we move through the project, use this page as a starting point. Your strongest thinking will come from connecting the music and storytelling to the historical evidence we study in class.

Ask questions. Look for evidence. Consider perspective. Tell the story responsibly.

We Can Change the World.

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