Special Classroom Visitor

Last week we read Boss of the Plains.  This is the story of John Stetson's trip out West and how he created the Boss of the Plains, a wide-brimmed cowboy hat.  As we read through the story, we got a picture of what life was like for the pioneers. 

One thing we learned is that they did not have the kind of entertainment that we have today.  They did not have television or radio and  definately did not carry Ipods!  The most popular form of entertainment out on the trail was music.  Someone usually played an instrument like a guitar, banjo, or harmonica, and everyone joined in and sang songs together.  The music and lyrics to the song were repetive and simple so that everyone could learn them easily and could sing along.  The songs were also written about the the life of the cowboy or pioneer.  One example we read about is the song "Home on the Range", which says, "Home, home on the range...where the deer and the antelope play.  Where seldom was heard a discouraging word, and the skies were not cloudy all day." 

To learn a little more about the music of the Old West, we had a visit from Jonny, who brought in his banjo and led the class in a sing-along.  What a great way to learn!