“Aaron Burr, Sir. Are you the BUR-SR?…”
The lyrics above are mine, not those written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony Award-winning writer of Hamilton. My daughter Ally gets a kick out of how I sing the lyrics wrong every time we watch anything related to Hamilton, because she knows every word to every song.
As the Tony Awards rolled and the original cast reunited to perform a medley, I peppered my Hamilton-loving daughter with questions like:
- What is Hamilton’s legacy?
- What did Lafayette do?
- The U.S. is a democracy – why does the show include a king?
I was not only impressed, I was shocked by how much history she’d learned from the lyrics and stage productions she saw in Seattle, Chicago, and New York. Which got me thinking, if Ally knows this much about US history from Hamilton, what else did she learn, and what potential does Hamilton have for students?
About Hamilton
Relying on rap and R&B, the musical tells the story of one of our famous Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton. The New York Theater Guide describes the show as, “Evita meets Les Misérables and 1776, by way of Notorious B.I.G.” Inspired by Ron Chernow’s book, Miranda wrote the music, then asked his wife what she thought. Some songs got a “needs work,” while others earned a clear yes. He could tell they were ready just by her reaction. So, Lin-Manuel decided to give the show a go—and you can, too!
How to harness Hamilton for teaching and learning:
1. Kid-Friendly Hamilton Songs Playlist
Kid-friendly songs save you the need to navigate inappropriate words on behalf of your audience. Using this playlist, teachers can guide students in their exploration of the history of the US Constitution and how it was the vehicle for achieving our nation’s independence. We recognize Alexander for his stint as our first-ever Secretary of the Treasury, but what other contributions did he make? Through the show’s music, students can explore the American Revolution, the creation of our government, and Hamilton’s accomplishments.
But, be sure to acknowledge the ways the performance is so much more than a history lesson! Through verbal artistry, the compositions also explore human relationships, love, and loss. Focusing on the series of songs below, educators can use the lyrics to create a safe space for students to discuss feelings and emotions, like being helplessly in love, to heartbreak.
For more music, this Hamilton Mix-Tape includes one hour and 13 minutes of songs sung by a variety of musical artists from John Legend to Jill Scott.
2. Hamilton for Kids
A bit like the “kid-friendly” playlist, Hamilton for Kids by Amanda Bjerkan Hennessy is a book teachers can reference and students can read to learn about the production before watching. Designed to answer common questions students may have, it covers the different types of music used in the show, defines and explains complex vocabulary, and offers historical context for key events. It also includes illustrations and character descriptions, shares facts about Alexander Hamilton’s life and contributions, and helps readers understand how the play interprets his legacy.
3. Hamilton Education Program
Created in 2015 to bring civics to life and increase student knowledge about US History, this (free!) program for 6th-12th graders boasts historical materials about people, events, themes, and key documents, including a Historical Research Library. This at-your-fingertips resource is a great find for students, educators, and historians!
4. Alexander Hamilton!
When you’re ready to take your students into the room where it happens, you can watch Hamilton on Disney+. The film is rated PG-13, so it’s wise to review content details before showing it in class.
Common Sense Media offers a beneficial breakdown, including reviews from both parents and students. Their Hamilton movie review includes metrics on violence and scariness, sex and romance, language, substance use, and commercial references. It also highlights the film’s positive messages and role models, giving educators a fuller picture of what to expect and how to prepare for student questions or follow-up discussions.
And for our “encore,” there is even an official Hamilton app available on Apple and Google Play!
If you’re an educator seeking innovative ways to engage students, Hamilton offers an abundance of opportunities. From its powerful narrative to its insightful exploration of the human experience, this musical lives up to its lyrical brilliance. It’s a testament to how creatively told stories can entertain and profoundly educate, inspiring the next generation to ask, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story?”
About the Author
Susanne Leslie is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and a Master’s in Education. As a former parent educator, Susanne’s specialty is Culture, Wellness, and Early Childhood instruction. In her current role, she writes courses and content, and is an enthusiastic advocate for play and time outdoors as the best teaching tools.
Fun Fact: Susanne has jumped out of two (perfectly good) airplanes!
Resources:
Thrive in Grade Five. (n.d.). How to use the Hamilton musical in social studies class. Retrieved from https://thriveingradefive.com/how-to-use-the-hamilton-musical-in-social-studies-class/
Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton. Penguin Press. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/292945/alexander-hamilton-by-ron-chernow/
Tran, D. (2022, March 14). Everything you need to know about ‘Hamilton’ on Broadway. New York Theatre Guide.
