Behind the Scenes at the Colonial Fair

Each year, the 5th grade class takes its Colonial America unit and makes it interactive– a complete physical representation of life in the three colonial regions. Students take on the roles of colonial citizens and research the aspects of colonial life in their particular region (New England, Middle, or Southern). The real fun begins when we build rooms and businesses to showcase the students’ research. Students actively participate in the planning and design as well as the physical building of their rooms and businesses. We could not do any of this without the genius and support of Denise Henley, our rock star jack-of-all-trades. Mrs. Denise truly teaches our 5th graders how to think and plan for themselves. She offers suggestions on design and welcomes students’ own ideas. Students build self-confidence and motivation. They learn to take initiative. Real life lessons occur behind the scenes at the Colonial Fair, thanks to Mrs. Denise.