Bringing history to life in the classroom can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. One figure whose captivating story may be unfamiliar to many K-12 teachers is James Drury. To ensure students have a well-rounded understanding of influential American figures, it’s essential to incorporate lesser-known individuals such as Drury into lesson plans.
James Child Drury (1924-2020) was a versatile actor best known for his role on the Western television series, “The Virginian,” which aired from 1962 to 1971. Born and raised in New York City, Drury began his acting journey at a young age. Despite his early career stumbling blocks, he persisted and starred in over 60 films and television series throughout his lifetime.
To make this topic engaging and relevant for K-12 students, educators can use various strategies.
Use multimedia resources
By incorporating video clips from “The Virginian” and other works, teachers can demonstrate the compelling nature of classic Western stories and showcase Drury’s talent. Students may draw comparisons between modern television shows and their predecessors or analyze how the entertainment industry has evolved over time.
Discuss cultural impact
Encourage students to think critically about James Drury’s influence on the development of Western television programming and how these shows shaped American pop culture. Teachers can provide historical context by discussing other Western series from the same period or presenting local influences from American history that contributed to the growth of this genre.
Direct students to research projects
Invite your students to complete individual or group-based research projects on specific aspects of Drury’s life or career. These projects can take many forms – essays, oral presentations, posters, or creative endeavors like art installations, photo essays, and even short plays inspired by his work.
Host guest speakers
A crucial aspect of teaching history is bringing it to life through personal stories. Consider inviting guest speakers who can speak to their memories of “The Virginian” or have a connection to James Drury, whether they knew him personally or are fans of his work.
Engage in role-play activities
Assign students roles inspired by “The Virginian” and other series within the genre, allowing them to explore different perspectives while enhancing their understanding of the characters and storylines within these shows.
Incorporating James Drury into K-12 lessons will inspire students to appreciate the American television industry’s historical context and celebrate the actors that shaped it. By sharing the captivating life and career of a lesser-known figure like Drury, teachers can provide a unique perspective and broaden students’ knowledge of influential Americans.
