Our pioneer unit focused on basic needs and how pioneers were similar and different from modern families. We explored a number of historic and historical fiction sources to learn about everyday life for pioneers on topics ranging from transportation and housing, to childhood chores and celebrations.
The kids each built their own "log cabin" complete with fireplace, bed and bedding, table and benches, "grease paper" windows, and special items like tiny silk hankerchiefs that they traded for at the local store.
After learning about pioneers, our students and their parents got to have some real life pioneer experiences at Philip Foster Farm. They loaded a covered wagon with essentials, built cabins with jumbo Lincoln Logs, ground a slate pencil and more.
Using a cross cut saw proved challenging, but great exercise!
No instruction was needed for the students to play like pioneer children. There is nothing like a run in the field.
Everyone got a turn at using old fashioned hand tools to take dried corn off the cob and grind it. Our chickens were very happy to eat the ground corn that the kids brought back for them.
We had a quick review of simple machines and the kids took turns being lifted on a hay bale using a classic block and tackle pulley.
It is such an uplifting experience when everyone works together.
No pioneer adventure is complete without a covered wagon. These four tried out the drivers seat, but ultimately they all decided to come back in cars since there were no oxen in sight.
No comments:
Post a Comment