Third graders become American colonists at GMES
Photo submitted Parents and teachers found a presentation on American colonies very informative. The presentation gave the third graders an opportunity to demonstrate what they’d learned about the particular region they’d studied.The students in Mrs. Tilelli and Mrs. Theobald's third grade classes at Garnet Mesa Elementary spent six weeks gaining knowledge of the three regions of the American colonies. The unit, titled "Historical Sources," focuses on the district's essential outcomes based on state reading, writing, and social studies standards for third grade.
The students read, researched, took notes, wrote reports and opinion pieces, participated in class discussions, made cultural crafts, and worked in cooperative groups to gain ownership and knowledge of a particular colonial region.
The highlight (aka: the engaging scenario) of the unit was a colonial American Christmas luncheon and living museum. Family members were invited to interact with the "colonists" (students dressed in costume and acting as colonial children) during a colonial luncheon. Parents brought a potluck dish from foods regionally grown or culturally appropriate to their child's colonial region.
Photo submitted A six-week unit on the American colonist culminated with a colonial Christmas luncheon and living museum. Students dressed in costume and played the parts of colonial children.After the luncheon, students were stationed in their colony. The guests visited each regional colony during a question and answer session where students demonstrated their understanding of the factors that made each region unique and to share their folders, written work and crafts. The experience held students accountable for their learning while enjoying the experience with their classmates and families. Many parents commented on how interesting and educational it was for them, too.