At Veritas Preparatory School, reading is considered one of the most important foundations for lifelong learning and academic success. Developing strong readers is a central part of the school's mission, and students are regularly introduced to timeless works of literature that have inspired generations of readers.
Classes often hold special celebrations to commemorate the completion of class books. One recent example was Mrs. Buller's second-grade class' “Big Woods Breakfast,” celebrating the completion of "Little House in the Big Woods." The event brought the beloved story to life through food, music, dance, and historical dress.
Written by Laura Ingalls Wilder, "Little House in the Big Woods" is an autobiographical novel that chronicles the experiences of young Laura and her family as they live in a log cabin on the Wisconsin frontier during the 1870s. Through vivid descriptions of pioneer life, the book introduces students to a world very different from their own while highlighting themes of family, hard work, gratitude, and perseverance.
To commemorate the completion of the novel, students arrived dressed in period-inspired clothing reminiscent of the frontier era. Bonnets, suspenders, aprons, and simple dresses transformed the classroom into a scene that could have been taken directly from the pages of the book.
The highlight of the celebration was the “Big Woods Breakfast” itself. Students enjoyed foods inspired by those described in the story, providing a hands-on connection to the daily lives of the Ingalls family. The meal gave students an opportunity to experience a small taste of pioneer life while reflecting on the chapters they had spent weeks reading and discussing.
The celebration also featured music and dance. Students prepared and performed a traditional folk dance set to a lively fiddle tune, showcasing both their enthusiasm and their growing appreciation for historical traditions. Adding to the authenticity of the event, parent volunteer John Bice provided live music for the occasion. Mr. Bice performed several traditional melodies on his “fiddle” (which was actually a viola). His music helped transport students back in time and gave them a deeper appreciation for the role music played in family and community life on the frontier.
The event exemplified the Veritas approach to education, combining strong academics with meaningful experiences that deepen understanding and foster a love of learning. By connecting literature, history, music, and community, the “Big Woods Breakfast” transformed a favorite classroom novel into a memorable educational experience.
Comment
Comments