Fourth-graders bring history to life

Students share knowledge of Native Americans

Nov. 16, 2009—In just one day, the entire fourth-grade with help from parent volunteers, faculty members and staff constructed a Native American village on school grounds—bringing history alive for visitors and other students at Duanesburg Elementary School.

The village, complete with a 20-foot longhouse, fire pit, drying rack, stockade fence, corn garden and tree of peace, was built using materials generously donated by parents and staff.

“This was such a wonderful way to engage children in learning about Native Americans,” said Stacia Cassale, a parent who helped construct the village. “It was such a rewarding experience that they’ll remember forever.”

For two weeks prior to construction, students researched the life, culture and history of the Iroquois and Algonquin people—as part of the state’s fourth grade social studies curriculum.

“I wanted students to gain hands-on experience with a simple, more peaceful time as well as learn how it would be to build without the modern tools we have today,” said fourth-grade teacher Melissa Durrant, who facilitated the project after hearing about a similar one in a neighboring school district.

Students were assigned to one of eight clans where they used their collective knowledge to develop a presentation on a specific area of the village. They also made and wore necklaces that signified their designated clan.

As elementary school students and other visitors toured the village during the week, fourth-graders served as guides using their presentations to explain the significance of their respective areas and answer questions.

“The pride in their voices and expression on their faces as they explained and demonstrated each part of the village to their peers is something I will never forget,” said PTSO President Tina Gamache. “The teamwork they displayed and the hands-on experience they gained is something that could not be matched inside a classroom.”

Durrant said students were completely immersed in the learning experience. “Even students in other grade levels are still talking about the village,” she said.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience with history, students gained confidence speaking publicly, listening, writing and team-building.

Many students, like Alex Onorati, indicated that learning the traditional skill of lashing was their favorite part of the project. Similar to tying a knot, lashing was used by Native Americans to prevent the longhouse from falling apart.

To culminate their experience, fourth-graders and their parents were invited to a closing ceremony during which they celebrating their accomplishments and enjoyed refreshments.

“In addition to being a great opportunity for parents and students to work together, we simply could not have done this without the dedicated support of so many volunteers,” said Durrant.