Colonial America Unit
We pulled down our World Map and put up or US map. Learn to identify the first place the pilgrims landed. Discuss what their homes were like, look at several pictures. We built a model home using popsicle sticks and some "straw colored" yarn for the roof.
How were their houses different from ours? They were usually only one or two rooms, some had a loft. They were usually miles apart, which in suburbia is unheard of. *chuckle*
Discuss the clothes they wore. Compare and Contrast: How did colonial girls and boys dress differently than you and your friends? Is there anything that is similar or still the same about clothes?
How did children amuse themselves? First of all, cover that children in colonial times worked a lot, and they didn't have fancy toys for when they weren't working. They played with corn-husk/corn cob dolls, rag dolls, they played games with each other, had corn-husking contests, etc. Maybe make a rag doll. We made yarn dolls. Again, they came out VERY cute.
Make a cornhusk doll. There is a site below with directions.
How was school different? They all were in one room, which is very different from today's public schools. They didn't have a lot of paper, and only used it for special things. They practiced writing on wood, in the dirt, etc.
How did they cook? And what did they eat? Could they just run to the store for a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk? No! They had to grow and make almost everything they ate. They had to store away food for the long winter when they couldn't grow or hunt for it. They cooked on an open fire in the fireplace. Make some butter using heavy cream. You can find many recipes on the internet. We are planning it as a group activity, and then having a picnic using our butter. I'll get pictures!
Did they have electricity? No. Try spending a day without using anything electric in your house! Using the fireplace (if you have one) or candles for light after dark. Make some candles. Another activity we have planned as a group.
Book recommendations:
"If I Grew Up with Abraham Lincoln" and "Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Websites:
Little House in the Big Woods
EasyFunSchool-Little House in the Big Woods Trivia Questions
Cornhusk Doll
HarperChildrens.com Teaching Guide: Little House has the words for "Pop Goes the Weasel" as well as directions for making snow candy, and a clove apple.