HAYSVILLE, Kan. (KSNW) — Some Haysville fifth-grade students are taking a unique approach to memorizing the names of all 46 presidents in order, thanks to their teacher.
Dr. Micah Friesen teaches at Nelson Elementary School. He says learning the order of the presidents gives students a foundation as they learn about history.
Fifth graders are already learning about so many other topics that it can be difficult to name all the presidents in the correct order. But Friesen has made it dynamic by taking an artistic approach.
“We started writing the presidents’ rap my first year teaching,” he said. “There’s a lot of science behind it. If you can sing it, you’re going to remember it.”
The rap struck a chord with his students. They say rapping the presidents’ names is more fun and easy to learn.
“It just felt like going back into the past and relighting history,” Cole, one of the students, said.
The lyrics flow through their brains like a tune they can’t get out of their heads. Some find it easier than others, but the key to this ensemble’s success is unison.
Students have high praise for Friesen.
“He’s the best teacher in the world.”
“We have the coolest teacher in this whole school.”
“If I’m being honest, this is probably the best class I’ve ever been in.”
“I think this class is wonderful.”
Friesen loves the relationships with the students. He loves being around them and seeing how they prosper in life.
Once America chooses the next president, the class will add another verse.