The first year our family began homeschooling was 1989. It was a time of excitement, hard work, and trying new things.

One of my favorite memories from that first year was our study of the Pilgrims. In order to make this event in history “come alive” for my children, my husband and I decided to put forth some extra effort. What better way to make your children feel like a Pilgrim, than a ride on The Mayflower. Here is what happened.

On a Friday, early in the afternoon, we announced to our children that they only had two hours to pack up some of their belongings. Without disclosing what we were planning, we told them to pack items they felt they would need, as if they were going on a trip. After two hours, we would meet in our bedroom.

At approximately four o’clock in the afternoon, the children showed up with a small trunk, a few toy cars, and some books. Then we announced that for the next 24 hours, we would be re-enacting a voyage on The Mayflower. From that moment, they were not allowed to leave our room and would have to remain until we “landed.” There would be no electricity used–only candles–and our attached bathroom would become “the bucket room.”

The children were instructed that they would have to sleep on the floor with whatever coverings they brought aboard; however, mom and dad would be allowed to sleep in their own bed. Rank does have its privileges, you know.

We placed an expandable gate across the doorway, high enough off the ground to allow our dog to come in and out of our bedroom by crawling under the gate. My mother, who lives with us, would remain “on land” and would take any phone calls and see that the dog was allowed to relieve himself outside.

From our studies we had learned that the Pilgrims ate beef jerky, hard tack (a hard, dried-out biscuit), and drank stale water during their journey across the sea. While I had prepared some jerky and allowed some rolls to harden, I personally refused to drink stale water.

Throughout our voyage, we read stories about the Pilgrims, played games, and talked of how difficult it must have been for over 100 people to remain confined in such a small space for 66 days. (I wish we had had The Voyage of the Mayflower Game back then to play.)

As darkness fell, we lit our candles around the room and tried to imagine how scary it must have been for little children–even adults–to be down below deck with little or no light. Thankfully, our Mayflower did not rock and roll as the real one would have; we talked of how beef jerky and hard rolls would not be our favorite foods after a short period of time; and we shared how brave these people must have been and how their faith would really have been tested during their journey.

After a refreshing night’s rest (at least for mom and dad), we had more jerky and hard tack with water for breakfast. It was becoming obvious that all of us were looking forward to coming ashore in America. With several more stories and times of quiet play, we landed!

Grandma was there to greet us as we came ashore. Upon our arrival, we enjoyed a wonderful hot meal, prepared by my mom as we shared stories of the Pilgrims from a new perspective.

This is definitely one of my most memorable homeschooling experiences from growing up! Well, the full size (and by that, I meant gigantic) Tee-Pee that my parents built in our living room comes in as a close second for most memorable homeschooling experience. My brothers and I still laugh about eating beef jerky all day as we were trapped on The Mayflower. For some reason, it sure seemed like a longer “trip” when I remember the story.