Fenelon Falls Museum, in partnership with the Retired Teachers of Ontario, operates a one room school at Maryboro Lodge. The school recreates the experience of a turn of the century classroom, allowing its students to appreciate the evolution of methodology, curriculum, resources and society over the last century.
Programs run both during the summer and school year. The pioneer one room school is offered in July and August: contact the museum for dates. In spring and fall, an augmented program is available by appointment for Grade 3 classes.
Retired teachers with a deep interest in pioneer lifestyles conduct the classes using turn of the century texts and curriculum. The children will learn the duties of school teachers and children, while experiencing the daily routine of one room school life.
The students will learn about available ingredients for pioneer school lunches as they prepare and enjoy period food. They will use quill pens, practice their penmanship on slates and participate in spelling bees. The children will play games such as Jack Straws, Rolling the Hoop, Sack Races, Marbles, Ducks Fly and the Game of Graces. They will learn “God Save the Queen” and “Rule Britannia,” as part of opening exercises. The participants practise arithmetic and study period stories. They will complete crafts appropriate to the period such as corn husk dolls, floor cloths and felting.