Alyssa+Stutzer

[|American History Lesson]A lesson designed to enhance the learning of the early settlers of America.

This is lesson plan derived from the learning of the [|13 colonies] that is focused around the first settlers in America. Although stated as a lesson plan for third graders I think it could be used for anywhere from 3-5 grades. This two part lesson first describes an activity that will help distinguish between economic and human rights in the new settlers on America. The first part of the lesson is a group activity presenting to the class what they know about freedom and the rights of an individual while focusing on how the colonists viewed the new world and why they chose to leave Europe. The students will then have to create a story with 5 topic starters listed for them on the board.

The second part of the lesson is engineered around the students learning all about the good and services that the early settlers needed. Becoming familiar with the concept of [|bartering] is important to this lesson. The students will have to complete a worksheet that will enhance their ability to identify colonial jobs that provided services to the settlers. To further develop this lesson it is suggested to have the students think about what goods and services they use today and write them down. This will develop a higher level of thinking for the students and allow them to connect to the history of the settlers. With these two lessons, the students will have a great understanding of the early colonization of America.



Response by Madeline Wayham:

In addition to the lesson I think they would learn a lot about colonial society and bartering by simulating an economy. They could do a role play where each person starts out with a different amount of goods based on their job. They could dress up and barter. Some of the roles would include the farmer, blacksmith, seamstress, government official, carpenter, preacher, school teacher, doctor etc.. They would learn about the different occupations in colonial times, and how to barter.

Response by Katherine Gregory

I like that this lesson is divided into two sections. I think that would be helpful for the students because they would be able to learn about multiple concepts without being overwhelmed with information. Madeline's addition of a simulation would also be a wonderful experience for the children if that was a possibility in your classroom. This simulation could not only be used for colonial times but branch off of the part of lesson when thinking of bartering today. The class could think of important roles and material items that are important in our society today, relating it to previous times

Response by Justin Cummings

I really like the idea that Madeline brought up about developing a simulation for the bartering aspect of the lesson plan. Simulation and role playing are always nice to do in a classroom setting if it is at all possible. Anything to keep the students involved with what is going on is a great thing.