Rendezvous & Bartering Day

Dear 4th Grade Families,

We are studying fur trappers and traders in our Colorado history unit. Part of a trapper’s or trader’s life was the annual Rendezvous where they celebrated, relaxed, socialized and traded their furs for supplies for the coming year. The students will be participating in activities on Thursday April 28th related to the outdoor, trapper, and pioneer life.

In order for the kids to experience trading goods for goods rather than using money, we will be continuing our Rendezvous day on Friday April 29th , On that day each student must bring in something he or she can trade. You DO NOT need to go out and buy anything. The item could be a craft, art, or food they have made. In the past, some students have brought some old, small toys or decorative items they and their families no longer want. It should not be anything expensive or of personal value. Once the items are traded they will not be returned to the original owner. If your child brings in food, the items must be individually wrapped (things get passed around!).

Since the purpose of the activity is to experience trading, students who do not bring in anything to trade will not be permitted to participate in the Rendezvous, which will ultimately affect their grade. Students will be responding to the experience for a writing, history, and economics grade. We will discuss the pros and cons of the bartering experience and real world applications.

Thanks in advance for your support of this experiential learning opportunity.

Sincerely,

Fourth Grade Team