Teach children about colonial schools with some of these activities.
The colonial era is an important span of time in American history and one that children should have an understanding of, as it was during this era that our country was shaped. There are several important topics to explore when studying this time period--one of which is what school was like for colonial children.
Make a Horn Book
During colonial times, children learned their lessons from a horn book. This book consists of a piece of parchment attached to wooden board or paddle. To protect the parchment, it is covered by a thin piece of bone. The pieces of paper attached to the board are able to be changed to teach children different lessons. When examining what school was like during colonial times, have them make their own horn books. Provide children with pieces of cardboard and have them cut them out into a paddle shape. Using a hole puncher, instruct them to punch a hole in the top of the piece of cardboard. Provide them with pieces of paper that are the same size as the cardboard and have them punch holes in the tops of the paper. Attach the pieces of paper to the horn book by stringing yarn through the holes of the paper and the cardboard. In lieu of a piece of horn, have children wrap their books with plastic wrap to protect it. Children can write lessons on their complete horn books.
Quill Pens
Ball point pens and number 2 pencils did not exist during colonial times. Quill pens dipped in black ink were the writing instruments used during this era. Have children make their own quill pens to experience what it was like for colonial children to write their lessons. From a craft store, purchase a supply of large feathers. Place sand in a pan and heat it to 350 degrees. Place the tips of the feathers into the sand to harden them, making them more resistant to breakage. Using a sharp knife or an Exacto knife, help children diagonally cut the points of the feathers. Children can now dip their quills in ink and try writing with them.
Recess
Even during colonial times, recess was a part of the school day. Discuss the games that children played during colonial times, explaining any games that modern-day children may not be familiar with. Also discuss the games that children play today. Compare the games that were played then and that are played now using a Venn diagram. During recess, have children play some of the games that were played by colonial children--hopscotch, leap frog, jump rope, jacks, sack races and rolling the hoop.
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