Pumping water, washing cloths, and peeling apples in the summer kitchen made for a full day of learning, as West Lawn first graders visited Stuhr Museum this month.

Students in Miss Acevedo’s class got to spend an afternoon on the farm, learning what everyday life was like during colonial times. 

Students had a friendly competition to see who could fill up their washbuckets from the water pump the fastest, before hand washing cloths. Laughs and cheers filled the air, something that isn’t too common when doing laundry. West Lawn Mustangs were excited to dive in and learn, even if it meant putting in a little work.

Christy Acevedo, first grade teacher at West Lawn, said the field trip to Stuhr Museum is not only fun for her students, but it also enriches classroom learning.

During Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) class at school, Acevedo said students have a unit on colonial life. She said students learn about colonial family life and different chores that had to be done. 

“Getting to experience that first hand [at Stuhr] really builds on what students learned in Kindergarten and in first grade as we learn more about colonial times,” Acevedo said.

Students also spent time in the barn learning about beekeeping and how honey is collected. From taking turns peeling apples and prepping to make apple jelly and dried apple slices students gained fun, meaningful experiences. 

“I just want to eat them all!” one student commented, as the scent of fresh fall apples wafted around the room.

“My grandma has an apple peeler just like that!” exclaimed another student.

Acevedo said the field trip is all about bringing learning to life.

“They're super excited to come and connect what they're learning to what they're doing now in real life, even if it's just referring back to something they did back in the day,” Acevedo said.

Way to go, West Lawn Mustangs!

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