On Friday October 28th, Berlin Elementary fourth grade Mountaineers took part in an Iroquois Enrichment Day. Students in Ms. Kneer, Ms. Laz/Ms. Bersaw and Ms. Mulvey’s classrooms rotated through three different stations to enhance their understanding of the Iroquois and participate in hands-on activities.

This day was an opportunity for students to learn more about the Iroquois including their celebrations, food, games, protections and planting techniques.

The morning was spent rotating through the stations described below. 

Iroquois Enrichment Stations:

 

Village Protection with Ms. Kneer:  Students learned that Iroquois built a palisade wall, also known as a stockade wall, around their village which was located on a hill.  The materials the men used to build the palisade wall were thinner trees that were essentially woven together to create sturdiness.  The building process required teamwork.  Working together was an essential part of survival for the Iroquois.  Students proceeded to work in small groups and used pool noodles to make their own palisade walls.  

 

 

Lacrosse with Ms. Mulvey: Students learned that the Iroquois created the game of Lacrosse, and that Lacrosse was sometimes used to settle disputes between tribes instead of going to war. Students compared Ms. Mulvey’s high school Lacrosse stick to her Grandpa’s wooden lacrosse stick from 1965. Then students were able to pick up lacrosse sticks and practice throwing and catching. 

Ghost Bread with Ms. Laz: Students helped to make Ghost Bread. The dish gets its name because of the role it plays in a Seneca ritual of mourning the dead. This was served as part of a traditional meal during a 10 day mourning of the death of a loved one. 

 

At the conclusion of the rotations the whole fourth grade came back together to discuss what they had learned and made a list of questions they still have for their future study of the Iroquois.

At the end of the day additional activities included making a game that Iroquois children played at the Winter Solstice Ceremony and learning what the Three Sisters were and why the Iroquois planted them.  

The day was filled with fun and engaging activities for the fourth grade Mountaineers and they are looking forward to continuing the Iroquois unit.