Social studies comes to life for Manchester first-graders
Kids from Mr. Guyton’s class get ready to head to River Raisin Mercantile. Photo provided by Joseph Guyton
submitted by Melissa Yekulis, Luther C. Klager Elementary School
The first-grade classes at Luther C. Klager Elementary School were treated to a series of field trips in downtown Manchester to learn about social studies in October. To help the children learn their social studies standards in a hands-on way, the children experienced a series of Friday Field Trips in town.
The children went to the Manchester Historical Society to learn about the history of Manchester, how timelines work, and how schools have changed over the years. The children visited River Raisin Mercantile to learn about goods and services and the difference between wants and needs. The children also had the opportunity to walk to the City Offices to learn how local government works, as well as how the police department provides services.
When finished, the classes came back and wrote a whole class article about their experience to share with the local community. The articles can be viewed below. The first-grade team wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Ray Berg, Jaimie Schmidt, Sue LaRocque, Michael Sessions, Pat Vailliencourt, and Officer David Sexton for sharing their time and talent and creating such powerful learning experiences for the children.
River Raisin Mercantile
by Mr. Guyton’s First-Grade Class
Our class went to River Raisin Mercantile. Mrs. LaRocque, the owner of the store, taught us about goods and services, consumers and producers, and wants verses needs. We learned that we need money to pay for our needs, then our wants.
Ms. Finnegan’s class learns about the history of Manchester at the Manchester Area Historical Society. Photo provided by Erica Finnegan.
We Went to the Historical Society
by Ms. Finnegan’s First-Grade Class
On Friday, October 17, 2025, our class walked to the Historical Society. We walked up the stairs and met Miss Jamie. Then we talked about the past, the present, and the future. Then, we speed-walked up the ramp to the upstairs. Our class sat down and looked at photos from the olden days. We also looked at a one-room schoolhouse. There were olden-day pictures in it. Our class liked sitting in the little desks. There was even a little doll at the desk!
We learned the students didn’t have a lunchroom in the past like we do in the present. Another difference was when using the ink pen, you had to dip the pen in the ink. They even had teenagers in the same room, and all the grades were in the same classroom! Finally, we had free play to look all around the museum.
Last, we walked back to the school to have our recess. We were very happy to go on our walking field trip and learn about the past, present, and future.
Miss Yekulis’s class learned about the police cars when they visited the City Offices. Photo provided by Melissa Yekulis.
City Offices
by Miss Yekulis’s First-Grade Class
Do you want to know about city government and police officers? We can teach you! First, you should know we went to the City Offices to learn about the city and police officers. The mayor and the police officer talked to us. They taught us about the government and about how to stay safe.
First, we sat in the City Council room where we learned how in England there was a king. He wanted everyone’s money. People moved to America and decided there were no more kings and they would have mayors and elected officials. Now, they collect the money and use it to take care of schools, buildings, roads, and sidewalks. We also learned the mayor’s job is to keep people safe and free.
Next, we learned about the chairs and desks the people sit in at the City Council meetings. They have a mini hammer for beginning and ending the meetings. At the beginning of the meetings, they do the Pledge of Allegiance because it is about our country, and they love our country. The mayor taught us about the flag. We learned it has thirteen stripes for the thirteen colonies and fifty stars for the fifty states. She also announced the birthday of our government is coming up. It is going to be 250 years old. We learned how police officers do their job and keep people safe. If we need a police officer to help us, we call 911. Everyone, even two-year-olds, can learn how to call 911. We should treat police officers nicely and kind because they keep us safe.
Police officers have vests that keep them safe on the front and the back. There is a metal plate inside so they can stay safe. They have a flashlight so if it is dark they can see. There is a little walkie talkie to talk to other police. There are handcuffs to make the bad guys’ arms not move. There is a taser that shocks people so they cannot move. There is also a camera on the vest so other police can see what is going on. There is also a pistol if a bad guy has a gun.
We learned their cars have lights outside so you can see them in all directions. There is a throwing stick they can throw out if people are speeding. He has a stop sign for helping people cross the road. There was a stuffy in the back. If a kid is lost, it will make them feel better. He had cones so if he has to help traffic and he does not have anyone with him, he can grab the traffic cone. There is a throwing rope. If there is a private lake and you cannot swim good, the police can throw that. You grab onto the rope and the police pull you up. He had a mask if a semi tips over and it has chemicals, he can go and see what is going on safely. He had a fire extinguisher so he could use it if there is a fire. He will also call the firefighters to help.
We felt awesome about our field trip. We got to see the mayor and the police officer. They both told us cool things. Thank you for teaching us about America and safety!
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