Schools and other young audiences
Virtual and in-person audience-participation based shows that are tailored for specific grade, developmental, and age groups: elementary, middle, and high school.
Virtual visits with young audiences at home
In addition to virtual school visits, Mr. Jefferson also visits young audiences and students in their homes by means of Zoom. Mr. Jefferson can visit with your child’s entire class even while they are engaging in at-home study!
High School
Thomas Jefferson engages high school students by challenging them with leadership messages, motivating them to improve their communities and the nation by means of their civic participation in government.
“The students loved their time with you —you are so inspirational! Steve, you have honed your presentation so well —I wish every student in America could hear it!”
—Cathy Gillespie, Constituting America
Middle School
“I just wanted to thank you immensely for your services last week. Being in the district for over a decade, I don't know of a better speaker that we've had in the past. Knowing that it was towards the end of the school year and the end of the school day, you handled your crowd masterfully.”
—Brian Davis, 7th grade math teacher, Indian Mills Memorial School, New Jersey
Thomas Jefferson uses a mixture of fun and inspiration to communicate America’s core founding ideas and ideals, while also teaching about the writing process behind the Declaration of Independence.
Elementary School
“You did a fantastic job tailoring your messages for each of the grade levels in the pod visits. I was amazed at how effective the slightest change of language or your demeanor was so effective for the different ages.”
—Catherine Twitmeyer, Teacher, Wayne Elementary, Pennsylvania
Audience participation is absolutely key with the youngest audiences. Mr. Jefferson tells stories from his life and explains how he changed America in a way that is fun and interactive. (For upper-elementary students who have studied or are studying the Revolutionary War.)
Writing Workshops
Middle school, high school, and college students will benefit from an array workshops in which Thomas Jefferson uses primary documents to teach writing techniques. The Declaration of Independence serves as the centerpiece of one program that teaches the crafting of an effective argument (see video.) In another presentation, Mr. Jefferson compares and contrasts multiple letters and documents that he wrote on the subject of revolution, using them as examples of how to adjust tone while writing on the same theme for different audiences.
“Thanks for everything, Steve. You were amazing, as always. Your ability to adapt to your audience while still providing the historical content is excellent.
It is the hallmark of good interpretation.”
—Renee Albertoli, Park Ranger and Interpretive Specialist, Independence National Historical Park
Steve Edenbo PO Box 3260 Philadelphia PA 19130 Phone: 215.514.1927 Email: steve@yourthomasjefferson.com