Early Morning School Day Jobs
An Amish school teacher arrives early in the morning at the Amish schoolhouse. She has the job of warming the schoolhouse before the students arrive. The teacher needs to fire up the stove or furnace. The stove may be heated by wood or coal and the teacher must master the job of heating the schoolhouse.
Getting to School
There are several ways an Amish student can get to an Amish school. Students often walk or drive pony carts to school. Some students can be seen riding their own horse to school. An older Amish child may take a full size buggy and pick up students along the way. Not all Amish children go to Amish schools. Some children go to public schools because Amish schools may not be available.
The Amish School Day
At 8:30, the school bell rings, and the students take their seats. Next, the teacher takes attendance. The teacher reads a portion of scripture from the bible after greeting the boys and girls. After bible reading, the students stand and recite the Our Father. After that, the students will sing a few songs in English or German. Arithmetic and Reading are the morning classes.
Recess is at 10:00. In addition to play, the students have duties to perform, such as sharpening their pencils, getting drinks of water and going to the toilet. At 10:15, the bell rings and recess is over. The students file back into the Amish schoolhouse to continue their lessons. Lunch time is at 11:30. First, students wash their hands. Second, they get their lunch boxes. And third, they return to their seats. In addition, a prayer is said before eating.
After eating, students must sweep the floor and wipe down the desk. Next, they can have recess until 12:30. After recess, it is story time. Afternoon classes include geography, history and, in addition, health. Science is not taught. Finally, the last period is spent on English and Spelling. The Amish school day ends at 3:30. Amish schools play an important role in passing on Amish values, developing friendships, and limiting exposure to the outside world. In conclusion, the Amish schools contribute to the vigor and vitality of Amish life.
Fisher, Sara E. and Rachel K. Stahl. The Amish School.
Kraybill, Donald. Simply Amish.