In March, I was fortunate to visit Elyria Public School, one of the few remaining one-room schools in the region. One teacher, Deb O’Neal, instructs eight students spanning four grades. At the conclusion of this school year, the school will close due to budgetary constraints.
The students play as a group in a made-up game as one person sits at the top of a slide and tries to catch discs from those below.
I was impressed with the students’ ability to work together throughout the day, helping each other with lessons.
From left, Deb O'Neal assists fourth-graders T.J. Kittle, 10, and Aaron White, 10, with a geography lesson.
The intimate setting seemed to allow for a nurturing social environment in which students of all ages were comfortable asking questions, solving problems and playing together. The students managed their time by finishing work between lessons or reading a book when all was complete.
Sixth-grader Shelby Kittle, 12, reads the novel "Lassie Come Home" between lessons.
Eight students in four grades work on lessons at their desks.
Before lining up for dismissal at the end of the day, O’Neal helped two students take down the flags.
From left, Deb O'Neal helps T.J. Kittle, 10, and Gage Racek, 8, retire the American flag and Nebraska flag at the end of the school day.
To see a photo showcase of images from the school day, click here.
