Pioneer Day 2015
On Thursday, April 23, the students of the Burnt Ranch Elementary School practiced “old time” skills such as butter churning, candle dipping, weaving, peeling poles, using a washboard, and walking on stilts. Pioneer Day was inspired by Jenny Sherman’s 1st and 2nd grade “Little House in the Big Woods” unit. Staff, parents, and community members joined in to make this a project-based learning heaven for all students grades K-8.
One 8th grade student especially enjoyed using a draw knife to peel poles; he spent most of his time in that activity and along with others helped Steve Jorgensen build the finished product: a large bean pole structure for the garden. Other students were excited to watch local blacksmith and farrier Adam Jorgensen forge metal into useful tools. Local volunteers Becky and Lacy Duncan, and Tess Parent created a pioneer camp experience where students rode a horse, practiced roping, played horseshoes and warmed by a campfire.
Students tried their hand at spinning fibers into yarn with local fiber artists Paula Massett, Irene Treesong, and Theresa Hacking. Terri Jorgensen demonstrated “old time” sewing with her treadle sewing machine. Charis Stockwell taught children to embroider their initials, and Donna Goldfarb ensured that this generation would know how to re-attach a button to their clothes!
The candle dipping was a popular event that took quite a bit of preparation. Earlier in the week Mrs. Sherman’s class made wicks from cotton twine soaked in salt and Borax. The process took three days just to prepare the wicks for candle making. Belia King helped students learn the virtue of patience as they dipped candles that slowly grew to a burnable size.
A visit to the Chuck Wagon proved a favorite for students and volunteers. The cook, Roberta Womack, made Chuck Wagon Stew, hard tack, and apple crisp. Everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labor with their own home-churned butter.
One 1st grade student ended the day by asking why Pioneer Day couldn’t be all the time. When Mrs. Sherman explained that the adults needed a rest he responded by saying, “I wish adults didn’t get tired so easily!” This event was successful because of the amazing Burnt Ranch School staff and many generous volunteers. We would like to thank each of our community and parent volunteers, staff, and donors for making Pioneer Day a rich learning experience that our students will remember for a lifetime.
One 8th grade student especially enjoyed using a draw knife to peel poles; he spent most of his time in that activity and along with others helped Steve Jorgensen build the finished product: a large bean pole structure for the garden. Other students were excited to watch local blacksmith and farrier Adam Jorgensen forge metal into useful tools. Local volunteers Becky and Lacy Duncan, and Tess Parent created a pioneer camp experience where students rode a horse, practiced roping, played horseshoes and warmed by a campfire.
Students tried their hand at spinning fibers into yarn with local fiber artists Paula Massett, Irene Treesong, and Theresa Hacking. Terri Jorgensen demonstrated “old time” sewing with her treadle sewing machine. Charis Stockwell taught children to embroider their initials, and Donna Goldfarb ensured that this generation would know how to re-attach a button to their clothes!
The candle dipping was a popular event that took quite a bit of preparation. Earlier in the week Mrs. Sherman’s class made wicks from cotton twine soaked in salt and Borax. The process took three days just to prepare the wicks for candle making. Belia King helped students learn the virtue of patience as they dipped candles that slowly grew to a burnable size.
A visit to the Chuck Wagon proved a favorite for students and volunteers. The cook, Roberta Womack, made Chuck Wagon Stew, hard tack, and apple crisp. Everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labor with their own home-churned butter.
One 1st grade student ended the day by asking why Pioneer Day couldn’t be all the time. When Mrs. Sherman explained that the adults needed a rest he responded by saying, “I wish adults didn’t get tired so easily!” This event was successful because of the amazing Burnt Ranch School staff and many generous volunteers. We would like to thank each of our community and parent volunteers, staff, and donors for making Pioneer Day a rich learning experience that our students will remember for a lifetime.