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Across America, children used to receive their education all together, not just under one roof but within the same four walls of the one-room schoolhouse. In this look at the tradition and history of the schoolhouse, every part of the process is examined, from construction and hiring a teacher to homework assignments and Christmas pageants. Complete with photographs from schoolhouses still standing, this book examines the culture of early American education and how the different culture of the time helped to shape the educational needs of young students from the very young to teenagers. From the differences in subjects studied to lunchtime protocol to games played at recess, anyone interested in the early days of education in the United States, no matter how old they are, will find information in this study.
This book balances the difficult task of being informative about a much different time without being cumbersome or difficult to comprehend for younger audiences. Much like the one-room schoolhouse itself, this book can cover a broad topic, such as how schoolhouses were built, while imparting different levels of knowledge to readers based on their level of comprehension. The photographs are mostly of schoolhouses sites that have been converted as historical or field trip destinations, which form strong visual aids but may also require some understanding and imagination. Children may be surprised to learn just how much has stayed the same, in contrast with how very much has become different, especially in just over a century's time. This book is perfect for supplementing a history lesson or fostering interest in the progress and adaptation of American society.