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| Westward Ho! Fourth Graders Simulate the U.S. Westward Migration |
After weeks of preparation, Shipley’s fourth grade students followed the call of Manifest Destiny and headed west with covered wagons in tow. Student pioneers simulated the Westward Migration and braved the dangers of the trail through the Frontier in six groups led by wagon masters. The fourth grade’s annual trip to Ashbridge Park caps off a Social Studies unit covering the U.S. migration westward during the late 19th century. Upper School students and fourth grade teachers ensured that the trip went off without a hitch and helped bring history to life.
Some pioneers struck it rich prospecting for gold in Soda Springs, while others met with misfortune as they forded rivers and walked through the prairie in Steamboat Springs. In Fort Laramie, the pioneers hunted and gathered to replenish provisions. At the Fort Boise Trading Post, they bartered for additional food stuffs and heard tall tales of the Wild West. Fort Walla Walla afforded the pioneers an opportunity to wash clothes, make a quilt, and gather firewood. In South Pass, families listened to true stories taken from the diaries of two pioneer women.
At Chimney Rock, Lower School Head, Maggie Granados, as Professor, asked Shipley’s pioneers questions about what they learned in class. Finally, to celebrate the end of a long and difficult journey, Shipley’s fourth graders feasted and performed original songs and dances for one another.
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Posted May 3, 2006
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