The Schoolhouse

We traveled back in time today! We had a great time being students (and teachers) in the year 1850.

Here's what the day looked like:

*Opening - Children bowed or curtsied to the teacher. We sang America. We reviewed the rules of the school and the thought for the day. When Mistress Sullivan did roll call we answered "present."

*Reading - Each group had different books. They were assigned stories to read, spelling and vocabulary to memorize. Groups were called one at a time to stand with the teacher at the front of the room for a lesson.

*Math - Children used slates and chalk to complete math problems from the board. They showed the problems to the adults in the room to be checked.

*Lunch/Recess - Children sat on the porch and enjoyed their lunches. They were given time to play in the yard out front.

*Penmanship - Children used quills and ink to write in their copybook. They could practice making letters, writing their name, or copying passages.

*Geography Game - The day ended with a fun game. The first child named a place. The second child had to name a place that began with the same letter that the first place ended. Ask your child what letter came up the most.

Thanks to Mrs. Waldman for making the copy books!
Thanks to Mrs. Zalkind for chaperoning our trip!