Bronxville Fourth Graders Bring History to Life Through Wigwam and Longhouse Exhibit

Bronxville Elementary School’s fourth graders recently brought their social studies lessons to life by creating a hands-on exhibit showcasing wigwams and longhouses – the traditional homes of Native American groups who lived in New York State hundreds of years ago.  

The project marked the culmination of the students’ unit on Native American history and culture, which also included a field trip to the Greenburgh Nature Center. During the trip, students explored full-size replicas of both home types, helping them visualize the lessons they had been studying in class.  

Working in small groups, students researched the daily lives of Native Americans, learning about the roles of men and women, the food they ate, the tools they used, their beliefs, and how their tribes were organized. Using that knowledge, they designed and built their own models of wigwams and longhouses with natural materials and classroom supplies.  

After a full day of planning, building and teamwork, students proudly shared their completed projects with families in the school cafeteria.  

“This is a classic fourth grade project that we’ve been doing for years. Students often come back and talk about this project long after they’ve moved on,” fourth grade teacher Heather DeCurtis said. “It’s such a memorable and meaningful way for them to connect what they’ve learned to something tangible.” 

The exhibit not only celebrated students’ creativity and collaboration but also deepened their understanding of New York’s early history and the cultures that shaped it.