Colonial Day educates youths in old-school ways

Valley View Elementary School fifth-grade students explored how kids played, learned and worked during Colonial times when the school held its first Colonial Day celebration on Friday, April 2.

Approximately 85 fifth-grade students from the classes of Karla Bringas, Elizabeth Neskovska and Matt Dalton dressed in period costumes and replicated activities dating back to the late 1600s and early 1700s when America was a new country.

The day started with a school-wide assembly in which the fifth graders, having been divided into 13 groups, made presentations about the original colonies. Afterward, the fifth graders went to their classrooms where they had the opportunity to participate in four of 16 stations of period activities, including candle making, butter churning and embroidery.

Even the physical education period was colonial-style. In their long dresses, caps and knickers, the children shot marbles, played hoops and held three-legged races. Following P.E., the kids and teachers enjoyed a luncheon feast prepared by parents. Turkey, applesauce, cornbread, peanut soup and Indian pudding were just some of the delicacies cooked and served by moms dressed in Colonial costumes. The afternoon ended with the students energetically dancing the Virginal reel.

The idea for Colonial Day was borne of the imaginations of the three teachers. They were interested in including hands-on activities in their classroom lessons about the original American colonies. After some initial research, the teachers decided to move forward with the idea with the approval of Valley View Principal Dr. Nancy Jude and some financial assistance from the school’s education foundation. Flyers were sent home to parents four to six weeks prior to the event, asking for classroom help for the 16 activity stations. Parents were also given recipes to prepare and an invitation to come to school in period costumes. “It took a lot of planning,” said teacher Matt Dalton, “and it wouldn’t have been possible without parent participation.”

Response from students and parents was enthusiastic; more than 90 percent of students dressed up, and approximately 25 parents participated. Which means that next year, this hands-on history lesson may well be repeated.