It just so happened that we lucked into a fantastic musical show performed by the multi-talented “Johnny Appleseed” (also known as Gary Francisco).

Mr. Appleseed taught a captivated audience of children all about American history during the pioneer era through a combination of songs, stories, several musical instruments (all of which he played extremely well, I might add), and props. The children participated in songs and a few volunteers even got to come up at the end to form their own pioneer band. The kids had a blast and received a great history lesson in the process. (Truth be known, Mr. Appleseed taught me quite a bit too!)

Laura gave the kids a first hand account of what it was like to be a little girl in the pioneer days. She dramatically re-enacted stories, taught them how to make their own paper lantern, and how to dance like the pioneers.

Yes, I watched a group of children sit through a two-hour history lesson and have one heck of a good time doing it. A most successful method of teaching indeed… and one more thing to consider… it was free!