Brunswick School 4th Graders Step Back in Time And Embrace Their Country’s History

     (Greenwich, Conn. – November 22, 2011) – Brunswick Lower School students stepped back in time when they transformed themselves and Everett Gym on King Street campus to a Colonial America general store. The annual Lower School event, known as Colonial Day, is the culmination of the 4^th grade’s study of colonization and officially kicks off a concentration unit on the American Revolution. During the first half of the academic year, the boys take on the identities of colonial tradesmen living in Hingham, Massachusetts circa 1764 and remain in character while standing in their booths on Colonial Day.

     In preparation for the event students work with a partner to research life as a particular colonial artesian. The various colonial professions include: blacksmith, silversmith, peddler, gunsmith, wig maker, hat maker, glass blower, weaver, candle maker, potter, sail maker, baker, metal cutter, tanner, printer, cooper and teacher. As they learn the ins and outs of their craft, the boys collect props, design shop signs and tool posters to aid them in creating their booth or “store front”.

     “Colonial Day is an effective and fun way to study early colonization,” said Kim Iorillo, Brunswick 4^th grade teacher. “We compliment our research and preparation for the event with novels, field trips and work in our social studies book.”

     In addition to learning American history, Colonial Day teaches the boys how to work as a team, make presentation to parents and family members, as well as craft their public speaking skills.

     When “colonial shoemakers” Jack Griffin and Marcelo Lejeane were asked why they immigrated to the new world, they responded in character, “We came to America for religious freedom and the opportunity to own our own land.”

      “Colonial Day is a highlight of the fourth grade experience and a time honored tradition at Brunswick’s Lower School,” said Katie Signer, Brunswick Head of Lower School. “It is the culmination of many weeks of hard work and a wonderful way to make history come alive.”

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