ALMA SCHRADER FIFTH-GRADERS DEVELOP A LITTLE PIONEER SPIRIT

Fifth-grader Ricky Ogles couldn't believe the trek from Alma Schrader Elementary School to Cape Girardeau County Park was only two-and-one-half miles. From his perspective the journey seemed a lot longer.

Ogles was among 90 fifth-graders who walked to the park and back Thursday as part of a unit on pioneers. Round trip, the students walked a little over five miles.

Students of Roselyn Conrad, Mary Ann Stamp and Sherry Spencer are learning about the Oregon trail and the hardships pioneers faced along the way. But the concept of how far these travelers really journeyed was evasive for youngsters who are used to carpools, the teachers said. So they decided to give the students some first-hand experience.

Eric Niswonger said that when his teachers pitched the idea that they would walk all the way to the county park, he could hardly believe his ears. It seems like such a long distance.

At the midway point -- the park's Missouri Department of Conservation office -- Niswonger said, "It wasn't as far as I thought at first."

Fifth-grader Elizabeth Grant said, "At first it was okay. But then we got cold and my feet kind of hurt after a while."

Sarah Brown echoed similar sentiments. "At first it seemed like we were going really slow. But as we got closer it seemed like we were going really fast because we were tired. I feel sorry for the pioneer kids -- having no air conditioning or TV."

Students admitted being a pioneer might have been an adventure, but it probably wasn't a lot of fun.

Scott Pierce said, "I wouldn't like to put up with the hardships they had. I like good shoes and good clothes."

Ashlei East said the trip Thursday sure seems a lot farther than five miles. "I think being a pioneer would be a challenge, but I wouldn't like to walk all that way. There was not a lot to eat. That would really kill me; I like to eat."

While at the park students measured off an acre of land just to see how big an acre really is.

The lessons on pioneer life have been going on all through October.

Students have made quilts, corn-husk dolls, tops, and even baked cakes. They have learned pioneer games and songs.

To culminate the unit, teachers are planning a Pioneer Day Oct. 28.

Guests have been invited to demonstrate pioneer skills like stenciling, quilting, spinning, and leatherwork. Students will cook stew over an open fire and make their own bread and butter.

A story teller will be on hand in a life-sized teepee, and students will demonstrate some of the pioneer games and songs they have learned.