This week, third graders from Pieter B. Elementary took a field trip to the Little Red School House in Coeymans Hollow. The students got a glimpse of what education was like in the mid-1800s as they sat at traditional desks in the one-room schoolhouse that children just like them attended many years ago.
Mr. Brooks led the class and shared insights about school life long before technology and even pencils existed. The students actively engaged, asking questions such as, “Did kids get to do art and P.E. in school?” and “Where did they hang up their backpacks?” They were amazed to learn that lessons back then focused solely on math and writing, with no special classes, and that backpacks were not used by students at that time.
Toward the end of their visit, Mr. Brooks allowed the students to quietly explore the room. They were particularly drawn to a vintage globe off to the side and a slate board at the front. The students took turns practicing their writing on the slate board and cleaning the erasers. They also enjoyed looking at and playing with classic toys, such as a button on a string and a wooden Jacob's Ladder.
Thank you to the Little Red School House and Mr. Brooks for hosting the students from Pieter B. Coeymans.
