Bringing History to Life in 4th Grade

In Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s fourth grade classroom, history became more than just words on a page—it came to life in vivid, unforgettable ways. As students explored historical fiction through their reading of Number the Stars, they also had the rare opportunity to connect their learning to real-world artifacts and personal stories from World War II.

Mr. Schmidt, a member of the Spring Lake community, generously shared family treasures that offered students a direct link to the past. Among the items were his grandfather’s and uncle’s Purple Heart medals, a military blanket, and a jacket adorned with original wartime badges. These tangible pieces of history gave students a powerful and personal perspective on a global event they’ve only read about.

But Mr. Schmidt didn’t stop there. Recently, he surprised the class by bringing his fully-restored WWII-era Jeep to school, parking it right outside the classroom for students to explore. The hands-on experience sparked curiosity and excitement, allowing students to imagine the sights, sounds, and stories of the time period in a way that textbooks alone can’t replicate.

Experiences like this remind us why learning matters—and how community involvement can deepen that learning in meaningful ways. Thanks to Mr. Schmidt’s visit, students not only better understand the past, but they also carry forward a deeper appreciation for the people and sacrifices behind it.