Fourth-graders learn about Dutch heritage, influence on New York

Scotia-Glenville Traveling Museum brings hands-on history exhibit to Watervliet Elementary School  

Watervliet Elementary School fourth-graders learned some new “old” games and discovered that wooden shoes are actually pretty comfortable during a recent visit from the Scotia-Glenville Traveling Museum.

The traveling exhibit, "Beaver Hats and Wooden Shoes: The Story of New Netherland” brought early American history to life for Watervliet students who have been learning about the role of Dutch heritage in New York State’s history as part of the Grade 4 social studies curriculum. In particular, fourth-graders have been studying the impact of Dutch culture on the City of Albany, once known as Fort Orange, which was settled by Dutch immigrants in the early 1600s, not long after being discovered by Henry Hudson during his exploration of the river that now bears his name, the Hudson River.

The exhibit included illustrations, books and artifacts—such as wooden shoes, animal pelts and cooking utensils—associated with the early Dutch settlements in New York. Students watched a slideshow presentation and also participated in several hands-on activities. For example, students created their own Delft tiles—blue and white pottery tiles originally made in and around Delft in the Netherlands during the 16th century. The tiles were primarily used for decoration in homes, churches, castles and cathedrals.

Students were also introduce to popular pastimes of that era, including KnuckleBones, a game in which small joint bones —typically sheep ankles—were tossed into the air and caught in various ways, similar to the modern-day game of jacks. (Students used plastic replicas in the Knucklebones game.) Fourth-graders also played other games popular in the 1600s including nine pin—think bowling, and Newmarket, a game that involves rolling three dice and adding the total to get highest score.

View photo gallery of Mrs. Lance’s fourth-grade class.