Homeschool groups spend a day at BNHV!
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village
September 14th, 10 AM - 3 PM

Homeschool Days
Schedule of Sessions
Note: Please pick one program per time slot
Session 1: 10 AM - 10:50 AM
One Room Schoolhouse Lessons:
Stitch Your Own Sampler
In the 1800s, Stitching a sampler was a popular way for students to test both their sewing skills and knowledge of the alphabet. The finished sampler was proudly hung in the home and admired by visitors. Participants in this session will learn how to make a cross stitch and make their own mini sampler.
DIY Bookmarks
Reading, writing, and arithmetic (the 3 R’s) were the primary subjects taught in the 1800s. In preparation for all of the reading you will be doing this year, make your own bookmark using dried leaves and flowers from our grounds.
Session 2: 11 AM - 11:50 AM
One Room Schoolhouse Lessons:
The Art of Writing
Reading, writing, and arithmetic (the 3 R’s) were the primary subjects taught in the 1800s. In this session, participants will: make and bind their own journal, make homemade ink, and practice writing using a feather pen to write with the homemade ink.
One Room Schoolhouse Lessons:
School Supplies
In the 1800s, paper was expensive and it was therefore seen as wasteful to use paper for everyday lessons. Therefore, most children did their schoolwork on slates (small chalkboards) which could be erased and reused over and over. In this session, participants will get to make their own slate board to take home.
12 PM - 12:50 PM
Lunch
All participants will get 50 minutes to enjoy lunch on the grounds. Please bring your own lunch from home.
Session 3: 1 PM - 1:50 PM
One Room Schoolhouse Lessons:
Recess! Marvelous Marbles
Much like today, recess was the highlight of the school day. Boys and girls were given ample time to play games and run around during their hour of recess. Marble games were quite popular with people of all ages, and almost every child owned a bag of favorite marbles for playing games in the schoolyard. In this session, participants will make their own marbles to take home, as well as learning some fun marble games to play.
Corn Husk Dolls
Long before G.I. Joes and Barbies, children made their own dolls out of corn husks. Corn husk dolls were created by Native Americans, adapted by European settlers, and are still made and played with by children around the world. In this session, learn the story of the corn husk doll and make your own doll to take home.
Session 4: 2 PM - 2:50 PM
Stories and Crafts:
"Harvest Party" by Jennifer O'Connell
Join us as we read “Harvest Party” by Jennifer O’Connell and then make your own scarecrow to take home and protect your harvest!
Crazy About Corn
Corn was one of the most useful plants that early settlers grew. Participants in this session will learn about the different types of corn and how early settlers learned about corn from Native Americans. They will then get an opportunity to grind some corn at our heritage farmstead to feed our chickens, and make Johnny Cakes (a popular meal made out of cornmeal). This activity will involve use/consumption of: cornmeal, salt, butter, milk, and maple syrup (if desired).