Living history offered to Cole Canyon students

By: JENNIFER KABBANY - Staff Writer | Wednesday, November 10, 2004 11:23 PM PST ∞

MURRIETA ---- Did you know that in the 1700s, adobe was partly made from manure? Or that American Indians ate live insects as part of their meals?

At least 200 Cole Canyon Elementary School fourth-graders are now privy to that information thanks to a living-history lesson Wednesday morning in the school's auditorium.

In an effort to teach students about Father Junipero Serra, the Spanish priest who founded many of California's missions in the 18th century, actor Bruce Buonauro donned a brown robe, a straw hat and used comedy and props to keep kids interested in his one-man act.

"The whole idea behind this is to bring the studies alive," said teacher Rob French while watching his students learn about how the state's missions were made and how American Indians and the Spanish missionaries interacted.

The presentation was meant to underscore what children are learning in the classrooms about the founding of Californian's missions, French said.

Buonauro specializes in re-creating historical figures and for the past 10 years has been a part of the "Adventures in Education" program at Knott's Berry Farm. He kept the children engaged with his many jokes and requests for volunteers, prompting the children to jump from their seats, their hands waving wildly.

In one instance, he had two children walk around the auditorium with samples of adobe, although he assured the children the bricks were manure-free.

Buonauro also talked about how Father Serra and his comrade, Gaspar de Portola, would make fun of each other in a friendly sort of way, how Serra was frighted by earthquakes and how the priest used an ointment on his injured leg that was generally used on animals.

Buonauro taught the students one of Father Serra's favorite sayings: "It's better to look forward and not look back."

He also named, in order, the nine missions Father Serra founded. And he talked about how American Indians and the missionaries thought differently about trade. During the end of the presentation, he answered questions, and one student asked why Father Serra came to the area.

"The reason for coming was to teach and educate people how to be members of the Catholic Church," Buonauro said.

After the presentation, Buonauro took the time to visit each classroom, giving students a closer look at his outfit and a chance to ask more questions.

One student, Anthony, 10, said the experience was a helpful addition to his classroom studies.

"It's a good way to get the kids to learn," Anthony said.

Contact staff writer Jennifer Kabbany at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2625, or jkabbany@californian.com.