Kindergarten Information for the Tompkins County Public Library
Kindergarten Information for the Tompkins County Public Library
Kindergarten Information for the Tompkins County Public Library
KDT! Resources for Teachers
Fourth Grade Information for the History Center
This Year's Field Experience Information
Fourth graders visit the Eight Square Schoolhouse, operated by The History Center of Tompkins County. On this trip, students either participate in a day of Living History or enjoy a Historic Site Visit. The Living History Program is our traditional program where students pretend to go to school in 1892. The Historic Site Visit is our newest program option where the class stays in the present and tries out some activities that were commonly used in 1892.​​​
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Use this document which contains pre-trip activities and information for your field trip. You’ll find a pre-trip slide show for students, basic information regarding your visit, how to both dress and pack a lunch in 1892 style, and a brief history of our schoolhouse. ​
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Additional Optional Pre/Post Trip Lessons
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Post Trip Slideshow for Teachers, includes discussion questions and activities to present to the students after the trip in order to promote reflections, discussions and conversations.
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Extension Activities to follow your trip written by ICSD teachers and others.
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Compare Gym Class today and in the 1800s in this lesson by Chris Barley and Jennifer Emerson
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Make butter in your classroom with this lesson also written by Chris Barley and Jennifer Emerson
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Here's a case study Learning My History: A History of Learning by Erin Hammes. Students investigate their family values and experiences, and the nature of schooling in Tompkins County in 1892 and today. In doing so, students develop a sense of self and a relationship to their education. Full case study here.
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KDT! Book for Fourth Grade
KDT! provides books to all Pre-K through fifth grade children to encourage literacy and reinforce Kids Discover the Trail! curriculum. To prolong the excitement of the trip, some teachers give the book to the children (when appropriate) on a day other than the day of the field trip.
Some helpful hints...
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Read the book aloud to the children in class before sending the book home.
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Have the children write their names in the book
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Use the lesson plans that are posted below
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Be sure to inform families about the book in your weekly newsletters. Please alert them to the parent flier that gives ideas about how to use the book at home!
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The book for 4th grade is "The Secret School" by Avi
These comprehensive lessons written by Amy Gingrich, include discussions of universal primary education and gender equity. considered in, The Secret School.,
There are numerous handouts including study guides for each chapter of the book. These guides include vocabulary words and probing questions. Assessments are included. These are incredible lessons. Use them and let us know what you think by clicking here !
