Second graders taste the pioneer life

By: Toni Walker

Editor

news@steelcountrybee.com

There was lots of learning taking place on April 16 at Hughes Springs Elementary, but not in the traditional sense. Students took to the wooded area beside the school to learn first-hand about the days of the pioneers.

Former second grade teacher Jennifer Bean, who is now the Dyslexia Specialist at Hughes Springs Elementary, organized Pioneer Days last year as a way to give the second graders a hands on experience with how life would have been in the days of the pioneers. Students were encouraged to dress in period clothing, and they were lead through the different activities of the morning by adults who could have come straight from “Little House on the Prairie.”

The activities began at 8:30, with teachers leading the students to the wooded area where different areas were set up. The students were able to experience washing clothes with a washboard and tub, then hanging them out to dry. Students also received a lesson in how the pioneers ground corn, which they would use for their cornmeal as well. Students sifted through cool pools of river water in hopes of striking it rich like the prospectors, and had the opportunity to keep any gold they found.

It was not all hard work for the students, however. They also got to try their hand at making dipped candles, which the pioneers would have used for light in their homes. Students also had the opportunity to try punched tin art. This is a technique where the students created a piece of art by using a hammer and nail to punch holes in a thin piece of tin. Students also were introduced to several different pioneer games, as well.

Bar Nun Cowboy Ministries brought their chuck wagon and taught the students about how the wagons were used during traveling for cooking. The students were also able to learn about other trail and ranch jobs, such as roping and branding during the demonstration. Bar Nun also cooked and served the students an authentic pioneer meal at the conclusion of the activities.

The activities would not have been as successful, had it not been for several businesses in Hughes Springs and the surrounding communities that made donations, according to Bean. Bar Nun Cowboy Ministries, Bailey’s, Trico, Dollar General in Daingerfield, and the Hughes Springs Frozen Food Center all donated products or supplies to the project. Bean also thanked Veal Switch Missionary Baptist Church for the use of their tables for the activities, as well as the community members who came out to support and assist in the project.