Fourth graders at Fulmar Road Elementary School recently traveled back in time during the school’s annual Colonial Day, a hands-on learning experience that brought their Colonial America social studies unit to life.
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive stations, exploring what daily life was like for children and families during colonial times. Dressed in colonial-inspired attire, students played traditional games such as jacks and ninepins, practiced writing with quill pens and ink, and created whirligigs, a popular colonial toy often described as the colonial version of a fidget spinner.
“As part of our Colonial Times unit our students learned how people lived and worked in the colonies compared to life today,” fourth grade teacher Maryanne Courtney-LaRue said. “We took a close look at what school was like, how children spent their free time and the responsibilities they had at home. It’s always interesting to see the students’ reactions to how much times have changed, and Colonial Day turns those lessons into a fun, memorable experience.”
The annual event serves as the culminating activity for the fourth grade social studies unit, giving students the opportunity to experience history in a meaningful and engaging way. As they moved from station to station, students not only learned about colonial life but also gained a deeper appreciation for how everyday activities, education and entertainment have evolved over time.
By combining hands-on activities with classroom learning, Colonial Day helped students make connections between the past and present while creating lasting memories with their classmates.
