Living History
Back in the "Good Ole Days
by Florene Schauer
February 03, 2010
Second grade students entered an imaginary time machine and traveled back to the homesteading days in Nebraska. Our reading stories gave us an opportunity to take a covered wagon journey through the eyes of a young girl. Uprooting and leaving everything behind, Abigail was able to find comfort in the familiar quilt that her mother had made. Many years later the quilt brought comfort to a different little girl who moved in a modern moving van. The Quilt Story, by Tony Johnston and Tomie dePaola, gave second graders a chance to compare and contrast today with days gone by.
Travel on the Oregon and Mormon Trails was examined during center time, as well as in a companion book, The Josefina Story Quilt by Eleanor Coerr. In this story a little girl “records” her journey to California in the form of quilt blocks, which are then assembled upon their arrival to their new home. Second graders made their own paper quilt blocks and assembled their quilt on the wall outside their classroom. Many students brought in personal quilts and Mrs. Schauer shared some from her collection made by her grandmas and great aunts.
Wayne Wallen and Kent Backer presented a living history lesson. Mr. Wallen brought his “mobile museum” of early pioneer tools and household items. He also brought a wagon filled with farming implements of days gone by. Students learned one way early surveyors measured land, how corn was shucked one ear at a time, and even how early shoes were repaired. Mr. Backer shared his expertise about horses and mules in showing various bridles, riggings, and descriptions of how early settlers used “horse power”. Thank you gentlemen!
Enjoy the show!
The Quilt Story
