Pioneer DaysOn Valentine's Day, we decided to have a Pioneer Day to celebrate our grassroots. We looked through books and talked about the 'olden days' and how things were for people of that time period. The children and I brainstormed different activities that we could do that would allow us to experience what it was like to be a 'Pioneer'. They also needed to dress like a Pioneer. We talked about different clothing that people wore long ago. The children thought of many wonderful activities. Natural Materials We discussed how long, long ago, people of the land needed to make items using natural materials. We made a picture frame using popsicle sticks. Each child required 20 sticks and white glue. The children first glued 4 together to make a square then continued to layer them. When they were finished making 5 layers, they cut their picture to fit and inserted the picture in their frame.
Candle Making We discussed that there was no electricity to light schools and homes. We talked about the use of natural light and fire. The children made simple beeswax candles. They needed to roll the wick in the beeswax. They had fun doing this.
Quilt Making The children gained appreciation that long long ago, people of the land used their hands for almost everything that was made. Each child brought a piece of fabric 4”x4”. They each took turns sewing a piece of fabric together. We now have the beautiful quilt hanging in our classroom.
Valentine Cards Children used paper and markers to make cards for their parents. We discussed that long ago, there were no markers to colour with. We talked about how the Pioneers used berries for ink instead.
Ice-cream Making The children were able to watch and learn how ice-cream is made. The children liked eating the ice-cream for their snack.
Resources Internet Sites: http://www.canadianheritage.ca/galleries/people3100.htm http://www.pioneerdrama.com/headings/christmas.html http;//jsis.artsci.washington.edu/programs/canada/asian.htm http://toronto.com/E/V/TORON/0009/58/81/ http://www.pioneeracres.ab.ca/admission.html http://www.acpo.on.ca/claude/descen-a.htm Submitted by Mrs. Gelasco ~ St. Brendan School |
