Home schoolers get lesson on WWII life
MIDDLESEX TWP — While many students enjoyed a day off on President's Day, area home schoolers had the classroom come to them. Tim Neff, education coordinator for Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial in Pittsburgh, brought the Footlocker program to CrossWay Church of the Assemblies of God on Davis Road.
The students, ranging from 5 to 15 years of age, assembled from several different home school co-ops to learn about World War II during the North Pittsburgh Home Schooler Enrichment Day.
Neff gave students a background of the war and then provided a glimpse of the life of a soldier by showing their government-issue equipment. He explained the uniforms, awards and insignias and then discussed the tools the soldiers used.
Photos of the aftermath of an atomic bomb seemed to draw the most interest with the students, who were captivated by the eerie images of life after the blast.
"Students need to gain an understanding and a respect for World War II and those who fought in the war because the Allied victory helped to provide and preserve the freedoms of the world for future generations," said Neff.
Life on the home front was also discussed. Students were taught about the WASPS, WAVES and WACS, women's auxiliary groups that helped support the soldiers.
Neff touched on what life was like for children their age during the war effort.
"Kids your age would be collecting recyclables from nylons to milkweed and tin cans, wire and newspaper," he explained.
"I very much enjoyed my experience with the home schoolers, especially their enthusiasm for learning and the great questions that were asked," Neff said.
Neff answered a round of questions after his presentation and fielded queries about weaponry, equipment, clothing and prisoners of war.
Many of those at the session will be attending a field trip to Soldiers and Sailors museum with an emphasis on World War II.
Cathy Oxendale of Evans City, a mother of three boys, was among parents who praised the program.
"My boys love this stuff, and it makes me glad to have them learn more about the war than just the weaponry," she said.
Fourth grader Troy Whitmire of Butler agreed.
"It was cool to see the trunk of stuff the guy brought. My favorite part was learning about the atomic bomb. He told us the names of the bombs were Fat Man and Little Boy," said Whitmire.
"I am looking forward to learning more about the war."
