The first inhabitants of North America were the focus of an in-school field trip for fourth graders at Fairfield Elementary School on Jan. 15. Students attended presentations throughout the day hosted by Journeys Into American Indian Territory, an annual experience that supports the social studies curriculum.
The auditorium was converted into a museum, in which students saw Native American artifacts such as clothing, hunting tools and toys. In a hands-on experience, they got to touch animal fur, practice hand-drilling and pound corn.
The stories and games station featured Native American folklore and the chance to play a pin and ring game. Students split into teams and kept score. In the afternoon, the young historians got to make clay pots.
In social studies, fourth graders learn about the Eastern Woodlands Indians, which included tribes in New York State. Teacher Peggy Meininger said that the Journeys program brings to life the history students have been learning over the past several months.
“It directly relates to everything we learn in social studies,” Ms. Meininger said. “This is one of the best days. The students love experiencing it and seeing the artifacts."