Our Forest Brook First Grader’s had an authentic colonial experience by participating in three hands-on activities that taught them about daily life in early America. This memorable experience was sponsored by our Forest Brook PTA.
Spinning Wool into Yarn
Students learned how colonial families made their own thread and fabric. Using wooden drop spindles, the children practiced the traditional technique of twisting wool fibers into yarn. They discovered how much time and skill it took to create the materials needed for clothing and blankets. Each student was amazed at how colonial children their age would have helped with this important household task.
Making Spinning Tops
The class created their own toys using materials available during colonial times. Students carved simple wooden tops using basic hand tools like rubber mallets and a saw, similar to what colonial children would have used. They learned that entertainment was often homemade and that children had to be creative with natural materials like wood, corn husks, and stones.
Cooking Colonial Pancakes
In our classroom kitchen area, students prepared pancakes using a colonial recipe and cooking methods. They mixed batter in wooden bowls using wooden spoons, then cooked the pancakes on a cast iron griddle. The students churned butter, chopped apples and grated cinnamon sticks. The children learned that colonial families cooked over open fires and used simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk from their own farms.
Tools from the Time Period
Throughout all activities, students used authentic colonial tools including wooden spoons, cast iron cookware, drop spindles, hand carving tools, and measuring cups made from gourds. This helped them understand how different daily life was without modern conveniences.