Long Ago...A Day on the Farm

This week was full of hands-on experiences as students investigated how communities, schools, and family life has changed from the past to present time.  The highlight of our week was a field trip to the Blue Ridge Institute Farm Museum, a re-created Virginia-German farmstead from the 1800s. 

Students visit the blacksmith to learn about the tools and procedures families endured as they moved to the mountains 200 years ago. 

Students enjoyed feeding, petting, and learning about the necessary role of animals on the farm. 

Students played childhood games of long ago.  Each student made a corn cob dart.

The home place was a favorite stop for many students. During the 1800s, cooking and being able to put food on the table dominated the time and energy of many families. The kitchen was the first room built and was often the only room for over a year (the barn for livestock was the second most important structure)!  Students were shown tools used to process meats and prepare meals. 

Students had a great time dressing up in period clothing.  It was a wonderful learning adventure!

Papa J has my utmost respect.  He is such a positive role model for our students and a beloved bus driver. 

We finished up our unit on communities of the past by making butter on Friday.  It was super fun and delicious!  Students were excited to help churn (shake) the cream until it became butter.  We sampled it on homemade bread.  YUMMY!!!