Harrison Elementary School Students Venture Back in Time

Fourth grade students at Harrison Avenue and Parsons Elementary school participated in Colonial Day. The students engaged in many fun activities that helped capture the spirit of Colonial Times and a large portion of the students and teachers dressed in the attire of the era.

At Harrison Avenue, the students worked with art teacher Christine Vitarello on a colonial art project where they used ahl to create a picture on a piece of copper metal that was then transferred onto a wooden frame. They also worked with music teacher Zoe Correa to learn more about the instruments of Colonial Times and performed traditional dances. Students learned about the history of Harrison during Colonial Times and explored some of the chores and expectations in the life of a Colonial child both at home and at school.

At Parsons, students created their own fragrance balls, taking a small orange or tangerine and sticking cloves into the rind to create a strong scent to be used in closets or houses. Students also learned about how distance interfered with communication. If grandparents lived in Port Chester or Pelham, it would be difficult to see them on a daily or even weekly basis as it might be too time consuming to walk or ride the few miles from town to town. With help from the Rye Arts Center, the children learned the art of letter writing by manipulating a large quill dipped into ink that was created from soaking black walnuts in water. They also came to discover how much more difficult it was for a left hander to use a quill than it was for a right hander.

Students at both schools participated in “indoor” and “outdoor” games the kids of Colonial times enjoyed. Harrison students played Jacks, Marbles, Pick-up Sticks, Cup and Ball Toss and Ring Toss.

“The students definitely learned how much hard work was needed back then,” said Harrison Avenue fourth grade teacher Lauren Fahey. “It was a fun-filled day that the students will not forget as their learning came alive!”