Fourth graders at Fulmar Road Elementary School recently wrapped up their social studies unit on Colonial America with a hands-on, immersive celebration called Colonial Day.
The day-long event invited students to dress in traditional colonial attire and rotate through themed classroom stations, where they experienced what life was like for American colonists. Activities included writing with a quill and ink, crafting whirligigs – a popular colonial toy – decorating silhouette portraits, and playing games such as jacks, ball-in-cup and ninepins.
“I love to see the excitement on the students’ faces as they get to participate in all of the fun activities at the end of the unit,” fourth grade teacher Maryanne LaRue said. “It is nice to see all of the teamwork and collaboration on display while they are learning the games, and it was fun to work with all of the fourth graders as they visited our rooms to try all the different activities.”
Leading up to Colonial Day, students took part in a digital scavenger hunt that introduced them to explorers who made voyages to the Americas. The unit also covered the Thirteen Colonies, why settlers came to America, what daily life looked like during colonial times, and how early education compared to schools today. In addition, students enjoyed a visit from an educator from Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, who led a hands-on workshop in which students created Jacob’s ladders, another toy from the colonial era.
The unit not only brought history to life but also laid the foundation for the students’ upcoming English language arts lessons on the Revolutionary War.
