We were excited to return to this Historic Pioneer Village. We have thoroughly enjoyed their program on Maple Syrup, their hands on activities and the excellent staff, which really combine to creating an engaging program. (that sounds almost brochure-ish!!) Today we went dressed in pioneer clothes after searching through some resources and listening to The Little House on the Prairie Series on audio book (although Elias and I read through the series last year) to figure out the 'perfect' look. I must say out of all the costumes my kids have created and worn these ones were heart melting adorable! There is something about a little boy in suspenders and a little girl in a bonnet!
There were four different stations, at each the children got an opportunity to experience a different aspect of pioneer life. We started visited with the lady of the house, having a tour of the garden, collecting water from the well, doing some laundry, looking in the one room house which all seven children and parents stayed in. The second station the children were divided into boys and girls for a barn raising bee. The boys put together a barn with pieces that connected together while talking about the importance of a barn. The girls built and laid a table for a hard earned meal. To celebrate their accomplishments there was some fiddle music and dancing.
We moved onto the town school next, which was complete with a bell they all rang at dismissal, a strict teacher and stern rules to follow. After filing into the building, first girls and then boys, the children were given a task to follow of folding paper into an envelope that would hold the seeds of the three sisters; corn, beans and squash. When the children were spoken to they needed to stand up, give their name and answer clearly. It was amazing to see how quickly the kids responded to the required behaviour, sitting still and standing to talk.
The last stop of the morning was to the field. We began the session with a talk about loyalists, taxes and farming. The kids took the place of the oxen, as it was something many newcomers didn't have access to. They pulled the plow through the field twice which was enough to give them the idea of what hard work it would have been. The little kids followed behind picking up any over turned rocks. The kids were shown how the three sisters would have grown and worked well together.
We enjoyed some running around time and lunch afterwards, collecting tent caterpillars ( a few came home in the car and silly me was surprised!) and climbing trees.
We have decided that over the summer we will explore the world of pioneers, as a strong interest has resurface.
