A Step Back in Time to the 13 Colonies

by Jennifer Jordan, History & Latin teacher

Our annual Colonial Living History project, a.k.a. Colonial Fair, met with great success last week. This project began several years ago as a simple idea to host a live showcase of colonial businesses. Ms. Denise Henley, our resident design expert, offered her ideas. She has continually worked her magic on this project, devoting many hours. This year was no exception. After 4 weeks studying the three colonial regions, researching further, and writing a diary entry, 5th graders worked under Ms. Denise’s direction to transform the middle school commons into a colonial village. Each of the three colonial regions was represented. Students tend to learn best by doing, and there is always learning away from the textbooks and off a computer. This project enabled just that-- actual building and design of businesses and rooms in a home. Each student put his or her own touch on their space and prepared a short speech welcoming visitors to their home or business. They dressed up, too!  Other classes toured the fair in a distanced manner, and we were happy to host everyone, although we were disappointed to not invite families this year. The project was live-streamed for parents, so we are grateful for this technology. All in all, the Colonial Fair continues to be a multi-curricular interactive learning experience that 5th graders enjoy year after year.