Exploring history: Fourth graders learn about Montana through hands-on experiences

Yahoo

01-06-2025

Jun. 1—Sam Cox walked into Karissa Prewitt's fourth-grade class at Peterson Elementary one morning with numerous historical articles from the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Cox, who has attended the reenactment of the battle in Southern Montana twice, talked through what life was like in 1876, like what shoes soldiers would wear and what bullets they would use.
The day prior, in the middle of their Montana history unit, Prewitt taught the students about the battle. The students later told Cox they remembered that the battle was between the United States and the Native Americans, that it was General Custer's last stand and that it took place on a river.
"If you ever get the chance to, you should go down there," Cox said. "It's history, it's important to know."
Hands-on learning can elevate a child's educational experience, said Prewitt, which is why she tries to make lessons exciting. Incorporating presentations, guest speakers and activities into school units, such as Montana history, can help information truly reach students.
"Incorporating hands-on experiences really just promotes a deeper understanding of what you're trying to teach," she said. Rather than just sitting and listening or looking at a computer, they can listen to guest speakers, touch things, see things, and more importantly ask questions ... they get a better understanding."
Prewitt began the unit earlier this spring, with numerous topics and presentations included. The class covered and participated in traditional Native American games, panned for gems and learned about the history of packing with a visit from real horses.
The unit ended with the history of Glacier National Park.
John Peine and Rich Mathies visited Prewitt's class toward the end of the unit to talk about the history of horse and mule packing in Montana, something both men are familiar with due to volunteering in various wilderness areas.
From why packing was first used to horse safety to the different sorts of saddles, kids were able to visualize the process and learn that the "bonus" to having horses is hiking in without carrying your own stuff and, in turn, having an elevated or better camp.
Kids even got to meet the horses.
"There are teachers who are still trying to teach history. It is important," Prewitt said. "I want kids to have a well-rounded education experience."
From discussing the history of true Montana cowboys to the adventures of Lewis and Clark, Prewitt scheduled a range of presenters to expand the experience.
Max Campbell, a local beaver trapper and a father to a student in Prewitt's class, spoke to students about the role of trapping in Montana history. In the 1800s, beavers changed the history of Montana as the fur trade took off. Campbell brought an array of traps and furs for students to look at during the presentation.
With each presenter and item, the kids' curiosity expanded, Prewitt said. It's lessons like these that the kids will remember, Prewitt reflected, as they move forward in their education.
"I get excited about it all, which is why I continue to do it," Prewitt said.
Reporter Kate Heston may be reached at 758-4459 or [e-mail].
Cloudy, one of the pack horses, gets a treat during a demonstration by Rick Mathies and John Peine of the Northwest Montana Backcountry Horsemen on Friday, May 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Fourth graders explore various animal furs at a classroom presentation on the history of trapping. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Sam Cox shows students gear that was used during the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Rick Mathies shows Cloudy, a pack horse, to Bowan Lopan, a fourth-grader in Karissa Prewitt's class at Peterson Elementary, during a demonstration by the Northwest Montana Backcountry Horsemen on Friday, May 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Sam Cox shows students gear that was used during the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Cloudy, one of the pack horses, gets a kiss from a fourth-grader in Karissa Prewitt's class at Peterson Elementary during a demonstration by the Northwest Montana Backcountry Horsemen on Friday, May 16. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
Students look at photos from reenactments of the Battle of Little Bighorn. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Max Campbell, a local trapper, passes around various furs at a classroom presentation on trapping. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Students hold beaver teeth during a classroom presentation. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)
Fourth graders explore various animal furs at a classroom presentation on the history of trapping. (Kate Heston/Daily Inter Lake)