A volunteer recently brought in an article about something related. 8^th graders are docents for a 4^th grade program. The photocopy isn’t labeled as to its source, sorry.

 

Elk Rapids Schools [Michigan]

A Step Back in Time

 

                The 8^th grade students from Cherryland Middle School who will be working as Historic Presenters for the local 4^th graders in the spring, had the opportunity to visit the Buckley Old Engine Club’s Education Day last week. 28 students, two teachers, and two representatives of their partnering group, Samel Family Historical Heritage Society, joined groups from many other schools for a day of stepping back into a different time.

                These 8^th graders will be presenters at the historic Samels Family Farm in Williamsburg [Michigan] next spring, when Lakeland and Mill Creek 4^th graders come to see what a day on a 1920’s farm was all about. The visit to Buckley is certainly a great head start, as most of the students had never seen the old machinery in motion, or been on a working farm.

                Volunteers of the Old Engine Club had planned a program where the students would be able to try their hands at using many of the machines. The students were happy to give things a try. Some tried the drag saw, collected wheat from the thrasher, and rode on the 1923 steam locomotive pulling the coach car from the 1800’s. They observed the rock crusher, and saw mill at work. They watched the foundry men and shingle makers at work. Each presenter at these stations gave clear explanations of what was going on, and answered all the questions people had.

                This is the kind of program our 8^th grade students will be offering in the spring. The 8^th graders will research, plan, practice, and write about all the activities they will be demonstrating. Some of them will be taking lessons from professional artisans, in preparation for the spring program.

                The Education Program offered by the Buckley Old Engine Club was the perfect introduction to some of the old ways. They worked very hard to make the day as valuable and fun as possible; right down to popcorn, cider, and donuts! It was a great day, and FREE!

Here is a link to a news article from spring 2007 with more information:

 

http://static.record-eagle.com/2007/may/24docents.htm