Colonial America

JOURNAL - Please create a journal using 20 pages of lined notebook paper and construction paper on front and back. You may also purchase a 9x12 journal HERE if that is easier. Write "Colonial America" on the front and illustrate to make it your own. Label each assignment in your journal so it is clear which assignment it is. Purchase a copy of "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare. How this unit works Before you move on, make sure your journal is ready. Illustrate it too! Colonial America what you will need for this unit "Colonial America" is an interactive unit intended to be done independently at home. There is general information shared on these pages and there are also links to websites where you can learn much, much more about many topics. Read each page carefully. Make sure you click through where it tells you to. Your written work will be completed in your journal. At the end of the unit you will turn in your journal for a grade. If at any point throughout the unit you have questions, do not hesitate to contact your teacher. 1550 to 1750 The continent of North America wasn't always broken up into countries and states. Prior to 1550 North America was populated by indigenous peoples. Explorers had landed on its shores and had discovered open land and resources, and the race was on to see who could send settlers there first to "claim" the riches. Powerful countries (in this case European countries) sent settlers, supplies, and soldiers to this continent to gain land for farming, mining, military bases. This was called "colonizing". It helped to expand the power of these large countries. England, France, Spain, and The Netherlands settled the original thirteen colonies. 1550 to 1750 The thirteen original colonies were broken into three areas: NEW ENGLAND COLONIES: Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island MIDDLE COLONIES: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania SOUTHERN COLONIES: North and South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland WHAT ARE THE ORIGINAL THIRTEEN? How many stars and stripes were on the original flag? The Thirteen Colonies Before you move on, explain in your journal why countries colonize The who, the what, and the why Colonial America Text Interesting facts about The Southern Colonies For more about Jamestown, click me! Then write five interesting facts from the website ROANOKE ISLAND The first colony to be settled was Roanoke Island off the coast of Virginia. It was settled by the English in 1585. It was nicknamed “The Lost Colony” because three years after the last shipment of goods from England arrived, all of the colonists vanished. This is an interesting piece of American history that isn’t talked about much. You can learn more about it here. Write five interesting facts in your journal. JAMESTOWN Jamestown (Virginia) was the next colony settled by the English in 1607. They ran into a big mess. In the area where they settled the ocean would flood into the fresh water rivers, poisoning their drinking water. It was very damp and marshy which led to a lot of mosquitos. The mosquitos brought malaria, typhoid fever, and dysentery. The colonists didn’t know how to grow crops in swampland and by the end of the first year 66 of the original 104 colonists were dead. John Smith took over at that point. He made new laws, outlawed swearing, and started trading with the Algonquin Indians for food. The Indians wanted guns in exchange for food, but John Smith wouldn’t trade guns. Chief Powhatan wanted to kill John Smith over this, and nearly did, but Pocahontas saved him. (Yes, she isn’t just a Disney character!). John Smith went back to England in 1609 and the Jamestown colonies had their worst winter ever. The weather was severe and there was no food. They started eating dogs, rats, and mice (ew.). In order to survive as a colony, they came up with the “indentured servant” system where new arrivals would work the land for five years and then they would receive 100 acres of land and their freedom. Then they started offering 100 acres of land plus 50 more acres for every indentured servant you brought with you. This led to the large plantations that are still alive and well in the south. They started planting tobacco, which was hugely successful. In order to keep up with all of the planting and harvesting, the southern colonies started a slave trade in Africa. What is the REAL story of Pocahontas and how does it differ from the movie?? Click here! Compare and contrast the two stories. Compare/contrast the two The soil in the middle colonies was perfect for growing crops, and the milder weather made for longer growing seasons. They also had access to wide rivers like the Delaware River, so they could ship their goods to other areas in trade. These conditions gave the middle colonies the reputation of being the “bread basket” of the New World. New Amsterdam was founded by the Dutch. They were talented craftsmen and farmers and the area made its money by being successful traders. Soon enough they spread out to New Jersey and Delaware. In 1664, King Charles of England sent his brother, the Duke of York, to take over the Middle Colonies from the Dutch. England, at that point, had colonies in New England and in the South. King Charles wanted to unite those two areas by taking over the middle colonies as well. The Duke of York’s armies aimed cannons at New Amsterdam from their ships off the coast. The people of New Amsterdam were not interested in fighting such a big and powerful army so they surrendered. New Amsterdam was renamed New York. Research how "Wall Street" in New York City got its name originally from the Dutch settlers. Write your findings in your journal. PENNSYLVANIA NEW YORK New York was a "rowdy, filthy, smelly port!" Click here to learn why, then list five reasons in your journal Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn. William Penn was a Quaker and fled England for freedom of religion. Quakers are pacifists and in England they were fined, jailed, and sometimes killed for practicing their religion. When Penn arrived in the colonies, he sent a friendly treaty to the Delaware Indians swearing that there would be no bloodshed. This was in line with his Quaker beliefs. The people who lived in Pennsylvania lived in peace with the Delaware Indians for as long as William Penn was alive. But as soon as he died, many new settlers flooded into the area who did not hold the same principles as Penn. Skirmishes broke out with the Native Americans and many were killed. The Middle Colonies (aka The Bread Box) Most of us know about the Pilgrims who came to Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts and had the first Thanksgiving, but there is a lot more to that story. They were mostly a group of “Separatists” who wanted to worship in their own Christian religion and not that of the Church of England. When they set sail from England, they meant to head to New York, but the bad weather forced them to land farther north and they decided to stay there rather than risk sailing any further. The Mayflower arrived in Plymouth Harbor on December 16, 1620 and the colonists began building their town. While houses were being built, the group continued to live on the ship. Many of the colonists fell ill. They were probably suffering from scurvy and pneumonia caused by a lack of shelter in the cold, wet weather. As many as two or three people died each day during their first two months on land. Only 52 people survived the first winter. They did make a treaty with the local Indians where they agreed to live peaceably. In October of 1621 they had a three day celebration around their first harvest, which is what our Thanksgiving tradition is based on. The Puritans were another group of English who were seeking religious freedom. They were led by John Winthrop and they formed the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Puritans as a group were well-educated people. Winthrop decided that each town within the colony would be 10 square miles. Each settler was given several hundred acres of farmland outside of town to farm. There was a meeting house for religious and community meetings. Next to the meeting house was a“common area” which was a pasture. Homes were built around the common and each had room for a small vegetable garden. Most people also kept farm animals on their larger parcels outside of town. The colony boomed. The soil was not great for large scale farming so they turned their attention to crafts like silversmithing, weaving, ceramics. There was excellent fishing in the area as well. So they made their living with trading, shipping, fishing, The Puritans did not get along with the Algonquin Indians because they had very different ideas about how to use the land. The Algonquins didn’t like that the colonists felt they “owned” the large parcels of land outside of the towns. There was much unrest and violence between the colonists and Indians. Oh, and here is an interesting wrinkle: The Puritans, after fleeing England for religious freedom, decided NOT to give its citizens religious freedom. They banished the Quakers, thinking them witches. And that leads to the Salem Witch Trials…. The New England Colonies click here! Did you know that before the witch hunts in the New England colonies ended in 1693, 14 women and 5 men had been found guilty and put to death, 8 people were awaiting hanging, 50 had confessed, 150 were in prison, and 200 more had been accused but not yet arrested. As confession sometimes led to freedom from trial, many innocent people confessed freely. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. Write an opinion piece about this time in our history. You try it! Study the map of the colonies below and then take the quiz here. Text Try your hand at Kit's first challenge. Click here for the recipe to make corn pudding pudding pudding. The Witch of Blackbird Pond MAKE IT REAL: Kit definitely does not fit in in Wethersfield. She feels very isolated and lonely. Have you ever felt the same way? Or have you ever befriended someone you thought was feeling that way? Tell about that experience in your journal. Map it Out Click here to draw map of Kit's travels In your journal, first write what you think the word means from the context of the book, then write the definition from the dictionary: 1. wistfully 2. daub 3. punctilious 4. tremulous 5. deft 6. dour 7. sodden 8. frippery 9. grotesquely by Elizabeth George Speare vocabulary Assignment #1 Read chapters 1-4 Questions: answer in your journal 1. When Kit arrived in Wethersfield, what was her first impression of the town, and of America? 2. Who is Nathaniel Eaton? 3. Why happened as a result of Kit jumping in the water from the boat? 4. What happened to Kit's parents? 5. Does Nat's ship deal in transporting slaves? How do you know? 6. Describe four things that Kit is expected to do in Wethersfield that she has never done in Barbados. 1550 to 1750 EXTENSION: Kit finds herself mesmerized by the musical cadence of John’s reading. Reading aloud with great expression is a great skill that can be learned. Choose a passage from a novel, a poem, a short story, or any other reading that you really like, and prepare it to share aloud. You will perform it as a Reader’s Theater, which means no costumes or props. You will “act it out” with your voice only. Practice, practice, practice! Then invite your family for your performance. (and it would be super cool if you recorded it and emailed it to me too!!) 1. How did William react to Kit when they first met? 2. What is a Sabbath house? 3. Describe the political views of Dr Bulkeley William Kit William Ashby 4. How did Kit feel about William "courting" her? Do her feelings change? Why or why not? 5. Why do you think Kit reacted the way she did to seeing the meadow? 6. Why would Matthew and Rachel have wished that Kit was a boy? Assignment #2 Read chapters 5-8 by Elizabeth George Speare The Witch of Blackbird Pond Assignment MAKE IT REAL: Puritans lived a very plain and basic life. They didn't allow themselves beautiful clothes or fancy trinkets. For Kit this was a difficult adjustment! How would you do? Think like a Puritan and make a Gratitude List of the simple things in your life that you are thankful for. List 15 small things that make you grateful. HISTORY OR FICTION? The Connecticut Charter Oak has a rich history. The Connecticut colonists felt very strongly about their charter and they wanted to preserve it. Compare the story told in this book to what you find on the Internet about this part of Connecticut’s history. What is true? What are the differences? CLICK HERE Ever tried your hand at knitting? Click here for basic instructions. Give it a shot! vocabulary In your journal, first write what you think the word means from the context of the book, then write the definition from the dictionary: 1. aghast 2. undulated 3. rapt 4. pillory 5. condescension 6. hypocrite 7. dubiously 8. menacingly 9. sepulcher Assignment #3 vocabulary In your journal, first write what you think the word means from the context of the book, then write the definition from the dictionary: 1. precarious 2. obstreperous 3. tremulously 4. ingenious 5. Quaker 6. gnarled 7. heretic 8. rapturously 9. ravenous MAKE IT REAL: There was no Amazon for Wethersfield inhabitants of 1687. Almost all household supplies a family needed had to be made for themselves. Attached you will find instructions for making butter and candles. Pick one and go at it! 1. Why do Reverend Woodbridge and Eleazer Kimberley threaten to shut down the dame school? 2. Describe Hannah Tucker. 3. What is the "magic charm" that Hannah works on Kit? 4. How and why did Nat meet Hannah? 5. Name three things that Kit does for Prudence. 6. What does Kit realize about Mercy while Mercy is listening to John read? 7. What are Nat's political views? 8. How do Rachel and Matthew feel about Kit visiting Hannah? KIT is compared to the scarlet flower from Africa (ch.9) and the yellow-green Jamaican bird (ch. 12). Their vivid colors reflect the vitality she has inside. Think about your own personality and talents. What traits do you share with something from nature? Describe yourself metaphorically in these terms, and if you are feeling artistic, illustrate your description. by Elizabeth George Speare Read chapters 9-12 The Witch of Blackbird Pond 1550 to 1750 and speaking of metaphors........ "My friend brought the bulb to me, a little brown thing like an onion. I doubted it would grow here, but it just seemed determined to keep on trying and look what has happened" (ch. 9) In your journal, explain how this story might relate to a character in the book, metaphorically speaking, of course. Read chapters 13-16 1. What is a husking bee? 2. How does John feel about Mercy, and what happens to change his plans concerning her? 3. When Kit sees Nat at the wharf, why is he mocking and angry? 4. Who is Sir Edmond Andros? 5. Why does William change his political views? 6. What happens to the charter? 7. Why is Nat placed in the stocks? 8. Hannah warns Kit that without a certain something she “has never escaped at all” by marrying William. What is this thing (that is also found in great abundance at Hannah’s cottage)? 9. Where does John go at the end of chapter 16? by Elizabeth George Speare In your journal, first write what you think the word means from the context of the book, then write the definition from the dictionary: 1. Blithely 2. Chagrined 3. Devious 4. Propitious 5. Dragoons 6. Woebegone 7. Condescending 8. Unchastened 9. Tryst Assignment #4 The Witch of Blackbird Pond MAKE IT REAL: The Husking Bees of the Puritan times were one of the rare opportunities for teens to get together to have fun! They would make the husking of the corn an event by enjoying music, singing, dancing and eating together. They also were on the look out for red ears of corn. Can you guess why those were special? What chores do you have at home that you really dislike doing? Come up with a new way to do it so that people will want to come and help, just like the husking bee. Create a poster to announce your event. vocabulary 1550 to 1750 1550 to 1750 vocabulary The Witch of Blackbird Pond 1. When illness breaks out in Wethersfield, what do the townspeople do? 2. Who becomes responsible for taking care of everyone in the Wood household when the sickness comes? Why? 3. How is Hannah rescued? 4. Why is Kit arrested? What leads to the arrest? 5. Who comes to Kit’s rescue at the trial, and how do they save her? 6. Why does Kit end her relationship with William? 7. After break up with William what does Kit plan to do with her life? 8. How does John resolve things with Dr. Bulkeley? 9. Who and what does Kit discover she really wants? MAKE IT REAL: This book is full of various types of friendship. In our lives we have people who influence us in many different ways. Some friendships last a lifetime while others are brief but very important nonetheless. Who in your life has shown you a special kind of friendship by acting lovingly to you in some way? Did they lend a helping hand? Listen when you needed to talk? Bring out something special in you through example? One of the most wonderful things to do in friendship is to give thanks for the other person’s kindness. Write a letter to this special person thanking him/her for what they did. Assignment #5 In your journal, first write what you think the word means from the context of the book, then write the definition from the dictionary: 1. Consorting 2. Docile 3. Inveigled 4. Jauntily 5. Pandemonium 6. Surreptitiously 7. Preternatural 8. Treadle 9. ruefully Read chapters 17-21 Love is a main theme in this book. Explain what Hannah does for Kit, Nat, and Prudence to show love for each of them. Then explain what each does for Hannah. Try to include your own definition of love. by Elizabeth George Speare For a list of my sources and other resources, click here. FINAL PROJECT - select one ........and there's one more page. Click here. by Elizabeth George Speare E! News Create a video where you are interviewing a character from the book. You may play both roles yourself or get a friend involved. Dress the part! Have fun! We will have a viewing of the video when finished. ASSIGNMENT #6 Coming Attraction! The Witch of Blackbird Pond is about to be made into a movie and you have been chosen to design the promotional poster. Include the title and author of the book, a listing of the main characters and the famous actors who will play them, a drawing of a scene from the book, and a paragraph synopsis of the story that will make audiences want to see the movie. The Witch of Blackbird Pond ASSIGNMENT #6 Choose a character and write what happens to them over the next five years. DUST JACKET DESIGN Design a dust jacket for the novel by including the title, author, and an important scene, image, or character on the cover, a book summary on the inside flaps, and a teaser (a hint at the plot that will make people want to read the book) as well as quotable recommendations for the book (like "The San Francisco Chronicle calls it the best historic novel ever!") on the back. Text 1. Double check to make sure you did all of the assignments. Is your name on the front of your journal with the title and a picture? 2. Make sure all of your assignments are labeled with the title of the page they are from. 3. Add illustrations to your work! Drawings will help you remember what you learned! No need to be a fantastic artist! Use your own style -- stick figures welcome. 4. Be proud of your work! Did you do your best ? Colonial America Before you turn in your journal... By Studious Maximus Text (Print this page, complete the assignment, and attach to a page in your journal.) Corn Meal Mush Recipe Also known as Corn Pudding In chapter four, Kit is faced with making the corn pudding for the family meal. In Colonial America corn pudding, or corn meal mush, was a common staple, often the only thing on the plate at supper time. It could also be cooled, sliced, and fried and served with molasses or syrup for breakfast, or eaten as porridge for breakfast. No matter when or how it was eaten, it was important that it be cooked properly! Kit learned that lesson the hard way! Try your hand at making some corn pudding. Ingredients: 1 1/4 Cup cornmeal 1 1/2 Cup water 1 Cup milk 1/2 tsp salt Directions: Bring water to a boil in a medium sauce pan. Slowly stir in the cornmeal, salt, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Write a description of your experience making the corn pudding. Add photos or drawings! Any reviews by your family? Text Text South America Europe Africa North America Where was Kit born? How about her mother? And where do Kit's aunt and uncle live? Find these locations in an atlas, then mark them and label them on this map. A Little Geography Lesson (Print this page and complete the assignment, then attach it to a blank page in your journal.) Atlantic Ocean Making Candles by Hand Text Text Sources Used for This Unit Rice, Dona Herweck, "A Guide for Using The Witch of Blackbird Pond", Teacher Created Materials #TCR 0404. 2014 The Story of US, Vol 2 "Making Thirteen Colonies" Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_history_of_the_United_States> Additional Resources Chessare, Michele. A Lion to Guide Us. (Harper, 1981) -- Grade 4-8 Hawthorne, Nathanial. The Scarlet Letter (Houghton Mifflin 1960) -- High School Miller, Arthur. The Crucible (Penguin, 1985) -- High School Raum, Elizabeth. The Dreadful, Smelly Colonies: The Disgusting Details About Life in Colonial America (Disgusting History) (Capstone Press, 2011) -- Grades 4-8 Walker, Barbara M. The Little House Cookbook (Harper & Row, 1979) -- all ages Text Your Knitting Tutorial!