Fifth graders at Oak Mountain Intermediate School stepped back in time during a recent recreation of colonial days.  Over the last few weeks, students learned about different colonial trade jobs and the contributions trades people made to support their community during colonial times. Students used a variety of 21^st century skills, particularly  OMIS’ four C’s—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication–to research using sites including Colonial Williamsburg and the Alabama Virtual Library on the Library’s new        Ipads.

After conducting their research on a chosen trade, students constructed a speech to give to the class about their trade, and participated in activities to experience different aspects of colonial life. The activities, led by teachers and parent volunteers, included making corn husk dolls, writing with quill and ink, quilting, dipping candles, making butter and engaging in games played during colonial times.

As an extension to the project, Mr. Mark Haddix was invited to give a demonstration of his blacksmith skill. Mr. Haddix, who has been blacksmithing as a hobby or vocation since 1989, is the president of the Alabama Forge Council and is a board member of the national ABANA group. It’s his joy to work the art and to share his knowledge and appreciation of the lost art with anyone who’s interested.  Mr. Haddix gave an authentic visual of what students are learning in the classroom and provided a wonderful addition to their study of Colonial America.