Each Spring, during the last week in April, Mary's class spends a week of school in the 1870 one-room Howard School behind the Jail Museum in Independence, Missouri.
Recess is spent playing out in the brick courtyard behind the 1859 jail playing with such toys as jumping ropes, marbles, jacks and tops.
What an awesome way to experience and learn about what life was like in the 19th century!
Before leaving for school in the morning, each child packs lunch in a bucket just like the Howard children would have packed for school.
They spend their days in the 12-foot square room experiencing schooling as it was practiced in the 1870s.
Just as their ancestors did, the children use slate boards, slate pens, ink pens and reproductions of McGuffey Readers and spelling books.
The students, dressed in period clothing, take on the persona of the Howard family children and neighbors.
Many of the toys the children play with have been made in the classroom, such as these buttons on string.
The spelling bee is always exciting, with the current winner given the honor of wearing the medal.
It is amazing how the toys of yesteryear still capture the enjoyment of the children of the 21st century!
