Fifth-graders at Deerfield-Windsor Lower School hold Patriot’s Day, an immersive student learning experience
Fifth-graders at Deerfield-Windsor Lower School watch a blacksmithing demonstration during Patriot’s Day activities.
Staff Photo: Lucille LanniganBy Lucille Lannigan
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ALBANY – Deerfield-Windsor School’s fifth-graders stepped back into colonial times Friday for the school’s annual Patriot’s Day event.
The students came to school clad in historical costumes and spent the day making crafts, playing games and immersing themselves in the culture of America’s colonial era. The immersive experience was the culmination of an all-subject curriculum called “Why America is Free,” experiential coursework designed to teach students about Patriot life, Revolutionary War events and important people during these times. It’s an interdisciplinary study, drawing in art, science, music and other areas.
This learning experience was first made possible 12 years ago through a grant funded by the Albany Chapter of the Colonial Dames. The organization has 17 chapters across Georgia who work to promote national heritage through historic preservation, patriotic service and educational projects.
The event is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Albany and held at the Exchange Club Fairgrounds of Southwest Georgia.
Marie Knight, the Lower School director, said it’s a special curriculum that the students will always remember, and each year it’s something they look forward to. The fifth-graders began studying this historical period in September, learning how the U.S. became a country.
“They’ve studied, they’ve done readings, writings, art, music, dance, and so today, it’s like being in Colonial times,” Knight said.
Male students learned how to march in the militia, while the girls had tea and learned embroidery. The students’ costumes were made when the program first started.
Toward the end of the day, a blacksmithing demonstration captivated the students. They sat around, eyes wide, still clad in bonnets and tricorn hats, as the blacksmith molded burning hot steel into hooks and shapes.
They ended their school day with a traditional dance session and returned home to get rest before a special night event.
Stephanie Fountain, a parent and fifth-grade committee member, said the activities of the day and ensuing night time events are a best-kept secret in order to keep the surprise alive for each fifth-grade class. She did say the night event is her favorite part and hinted at horses, candlelight and theatrics.
Fountain has been volunteering for Patriot’s Day for six years along with four other members of the Fifth-Grade Committee: Lindsay Toole, Brannon Medley and Jenna Wilcox. Parent volunteers also came in historically accurate costumes.
Fountain said it’s a great experience, especially when she gets to see her own children enjoying the day.
“For them to be able to do hands-on activities, see everything in person and be involved … instead of just reading it in a book … it’s priceless,” she said.
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