Assessment
Rubric
Learning Context/ Introduction
Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic is a reenactment program used in the 4th Grade as an integral part of the local history study. The children prepare for, and actually participate in a pioneer school day. The children will develop an appreciation for the child of the 19th century by actually "walking in their shoes." The children will begin to view history not as a text of famous events and people, but a story of ordinary people like themselves.
Because this unit is activity-oriented, and
is based on the lives of 4th grade students, the students will need an
enthusiasm for learning, copies of preparation lessons, spelling lists,
and a poem to memorize. Costumes from home
such as long skirts and bonnets for the girls,
and jeans or overalls for the boys add to the
authenticity. Background for
understanding is provided in activities, literature,
and documents from the past.
Materials and Supplies
copies of children’s literature relating to
one-room schoolhouse experiences
McGuffey readers (reprints ordered from
bookstores)
quill pens, ink
worksheets
copies of poems
spelling list (teacher-generated)
schedule for school day
access to one-room school (optional)
Suggestions for Props
Assessment
The personal reflection essay is the best insight for the teacher. The children are asked to tell about their experience at the schoolhouse, and to decide which type of learning they prefer. The supporting statements for their choice can be a basis for assessment, or for group debate and discussion.
Another evaluative piece is the Venn diagram, comparing 19th century learning with today’s schooling. The paper, “You Be The Teacher,” from the Laura Wilder’s activity guide gives the children the opportunity to view the school from the other side of the classroom.
There are also ample opportunities to discuss the literature read, to write story summaries, and to make dioramas of the schoolroom. Most of the activities used to prepare for the reenactment can also be used as assessment tools. All of the activities can be gathered together and used as part of a portfolio, if the teacher wishes.
Rubric
Authors
Ellen Laudermilk and Nancy Murinka
Port Byron Central School
A.A. Gates Elementary School
Port Byron, NY.
Duration
1 year
Procedure
The teacher’s role in this unit is to familiarize the students with the classrooms and learning of the 19th century. This is introduced by reading
from children’s literature. These will include chapters from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories, Caddie Woodlawn, and the American Girl Learns A Lesson series by Pleasant Company.
The teacher then provides opportunities for the class to experience reading, writing, and arithmetic lessons from the past. These will involve
reading from McGuffey readers, practicing writing with a quill pen and ink, and solving arithmetic
problems from the past. The teacher also provides a spelling list to study for a future
spelling bee, and poetry to memorize and recite on pioneer school day.
The teacher runs the reenactment day following the schedule used at a one-room schoolhouse in
the 19th century. There is a series of morning lessons in reading, writing, and arithmetic, along
with recess. Activities such as poetry recitation, spelldown, geography memory game, oral math
contest, and singing are included in the school day.
The children may do a variety of activities with children’s literature. These may involve writing
story summaries, creating comparison charts or Venn diagrams, or writing fictional school
diaries. Working in learning centers, the children practice writing with proper quill penmanship,
look at primers and hornbooks, and solve difficult word problems from the past. They study
proposed spelling lists, and learn a poem to recite.
The focus of these lessons is to familiarize the students with the schooling of the past. Most
activities are done in cooperative work groups, with a range of ability in each group. Often the
activities are done at learning centers with the children helping each other. The range of reading
abilities can be addressed by incorporating a range of grade-level materials, and by reading difficult
materials to the class.
The reenactment can be done at an actual one-room
schoolhouse, or arranged in your own
classroom. Modern desks and chairs
are removed from the room, and
replaced with benches (usually obtained
from school gym). Cardboard boxes or
shelves can be used to block off “pioneer
school” from the rest of the classroom.
Student Work
Student Work
The pre- and post-activities give students ownership of the schoolhouse experience. All of the pre-activities build an understanding of 19th century school life, which will enrich the actual experience. The literature sharing is especially good for making the connection for children of today to children of tomorrow.
The on-site activities help build the realism. They add the feeling of actually being there for the class.
The post-activities allow the children to reflect on their experience. They are able to express what impressed them, to know how they connect to children of the past, and to make a judgment using support from actual experience.
Reflection
This unit connects all levels of learning for the student. It is a study of history without texts and
dates. The children experience pioneer living on their level, with the common experience of
schooling as the connection. The writing and literature lessons fit naturally into the unit, as do
math and geography. This unit can be as extensive or as limited as the teacher desires, and can
be adapted to fit all learning styles.
I have used this reenactment unit for 12 years, and find it the most successful activity I do with
children. The enthusiasm and interest for the history of schools is very positive. I have recently
included primary documents to this unit, bringing in school board notes, report cards, and graduation
programs for the children to compare to the present. It is such a natural connection. I feel
this type of learning experience may take more planning time, but the benefits are worth the
effort.
Source
Laudermilk, Ellen and Nancy Murinka. "Reading,'Riting,'Rithmetic." Social Studies Resource Guide with the Core Curriculum. New York State Education Department, 158-164.
