Blog entry by Ivana Humena
My students at the Lutheran Grammar School of Juraj Tranovský in Liptovský Mikuláš experienced history in a way that no textbook could offer. We held a role-play lesson to recreate the historic declaration of the Demands of the Slovak Nation from May 11, 1848—and what made it truly extraordinary was that it took place at the very site where the original event happened.
Students took on the roles of key national leaders—Ľudovít Štúr, Jozef Miloslav Hurban, Michal Miloslav Hodža, Ján Francisci, and Štefan Marko Daxner—as well as the voices of ordinary peasants and townspeople who participated in this momentous occasion. They prepared short speeches, expressed their characters’ ideas and emotions, and debated the importance of national rights and unity. Having wireless speeker with them, they all sang the national songs too!
The goal of the lesson was not only to understand the historical document but also to connect history with civics education—to feel what it means to speak publicly, to stand for one’s beliefs, and to declare a vision for the nation. The atmosphere was powerful, authentic, and deeply moving. Watching my students speak with conviction where our ancestors once did reminded me why I love teaching—history came alive before our eyes.