Interdependence: A Colonial Example

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For 5-6 weeks our students work on a comprehensive unit involving Colonial America. It involves an interdisciplinary approach that combines, social studies, research, reading, writing, dramatic arts, technology, and math. We begin this unit by focusing on why people came to the "New World," why interaction between the "Old" and "New World" affected both sides of the Atlantic, and how the settlers learned that they were dependent on one another, the Native Americans, the physical geography, and the weather.

OBJECTIVE

Students will:

1. Research a particular colonial trade and write a report based on their research.
2. Present an oral report as though they were a craftsman, explaining their craft and what it was like to live in Colonial America.
3. Understand that colonial settlers were dependent upon one another, their environment, and other peoples in the region.
4. Students will be able to explain how we are also interdependent today.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Web of Interdependence
Lesson 2: Bartering, an Early Form of Interdependence

REPRODUCIBLES
List of Colonial Jobs (PDF)
Parent Permission Slip for Bartering (PDF)
Marketplace Rules (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

During the unit, our classroom becomes a small town and each student takes on the identity of a colonist. The students apprentice themselves to various imaginary master tradesmen and learn that trade. At the conclusion of this, the students become journeymen by passing a test of their skills (by giving a first-person oral presentation based on the research they have done). They dress as their characters, make a sign for their new shops, and share their experiences as apprentices in front of the entire "town."

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching About Colonial Times

Clifford Learns About the First Thanksgiving and So Do We!
Students pose as pilgrims and reenact the thanksgiving feast in this playful approach to learning. Topics include the pilgrims' reasons for...

Every Vote Counts!
Students utilize math and language arts skills in this social studies unit requiring them to select a fictional character then budget and run...

Have a Heart
This unit is designed to teach young children about the human heart, ways to take care of their heart, and the history of the heart shape.

ARTICLE	Listen & Read Grade 2: Social Studies Quick "Listen & Read" articles (from Scholastic News that include read-along audio and photo support) boost early reading skills while supporting differentiated reading and ELL students.
LESSON PLAN	Presenting Your Case Presents an imaginative way to teach biographical facts about notable people. Students participate in written activities and visually oriented...
ONLINE ACTIVITY	Compare & Contrast: Pilgrims & Wampanoag Listen and read as you compare the housing, clothing, food, chores, school, and games of these two groups in history.