Fort Ross is a two day trip and is one of the highlights of the fourth grade year. In late February, early March, our class lives and breathes Fort Ross history! This amazing Living History Project brings the past alive for students through role play. Students become someone who actually lived at the Fort during its time of operation. They change their name tags on their desks to represent their Fort Ross character name. Students learn Russian in class, dance the Troika, write research reports, and make leather pouches and pocket guides, design a company flag and currency, and much, much more!
While at the fort, students have unique and varying experiences depending on the role group they of which they are a part. Everyone involved dresses in costume (including chaperones who attend). Some members of our class will learn how to fire the cannon, while others fish in the ocean. The artisans paint beautiful landscapes and build lanterns while the gardeners harvest and plant food. One of the highlights, and surely one of the most memorable experiences of Fort Ross is Night Watch. During this time, role groups "guard" the fort, star gaze, eat Russian Tea Cakes, and have hot cocoa by the fire.
This trip is amazing and not only makes history real, but it leaves an indelible imprint on the minds of all who participate. Let's be explorers together!
While at the fort, students have unique and varying experiences depending on the role group they of which they are a part. Everyone involved dresses in costume (including chaperones who attend). Some members of our class will learn how to fire the cannon, while others fish in the ocean. The artisans paint beautiful landscapes and build lanterns while the gardeners harvest and plant food. One of the highlights, and surely one of the most memorable experiences of Fort Ross is Night Watch. During this time, role groups "guard" the fort, star gaze, eat Russian Tea Cakes, and have hot cocoa by the fire.
This trip is amazing and not only makes history real, but it leaves an indelible imprint on the minds of all who participate. Let's be explorers together!