Bringing Learning to Life

Grammar School Students Explore Plimoth Plantation as Part of Their Social Studies Curriculum

Somers, CT – October, 2007 – Curriculum enhancing field trips have always been an integral part of the Grammar School educational program.  This week, 3^rd grade students in Mrs. Marni Strachan’s class stepped back in time as they explored Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, MA.  As part of their Social Studies curriculum, the students have been learning about the pilgrims and Native Americans in their classroom through a variety of literature based activities.  To help bring the life of our early settlers to reality, the students made this annual trek to the southeastern part of Massachusetts.  Once there, they explored a 1627 English Village which is a re-creation of a small farming town.  They were greeted by costumed role players who have taken on the names and viewpoints of people who actually lived in the colony, popularly known today as “pilgrims”.  Prior to their trip, the students in Mrs. Strachan’s class were each assigned a different pilgrim, such as Myles Standish. While exploring the village, they needed to locate their pilgrim and spend time interviewing that person.  The costumed role players stayed “in character” while answering the questions, therefore providing the students with a real viewpoint of the pilgrim they were studying.  The students also explored the Wampanog Homesite where they stepped into a traditional “wetu” or house.  Here they learned of Wampanoag family life as well as how the arrival of the English settlers affected the Native Americans.  The Wampanog have lived in southeastern New England for over 12,000 years!  Additionally, the students explored the decks of the Mayflower ship.  The exceptional feature that all the students agreed on was just how small the ship was and how many people made that first voyage!   With the celebration of the first “Thanksgiving” right around the corner, students at The Grammar School were able to make a vivid hand’s on connection between the facts and stories they have studied in class.