Settling the New World and Colonial Life Unit
Posted by Cindy on November 4, 2008
I love Colonial History and, after this unit, I think my children do, too. We covered everything from the first colonies of Roanoke, Jamestown and Plymouth to the settlement of all 13 original colonies to life in colonial times. Thanks to our “spine” books, Hands-On History: Colonial America and Colonial Kids, the unit was packed full of great notebooking/lapbooking activities and tons of hands on experiences.
Some of the hands-on activities included making butter, playing leapfrog, bb gun target practice, sewing, embroidery, knot tying, writing with a homemade quill pen and ink, making candles, knitting, decoupage, making hasty pudding and so much more.
Mahayla’s assigned reading turned into two books for this unit, Calico Bush and Indian Captive. (She is a voracious reader!) I only asked her to complete a “report” on one. I gave her a little book called Book Reports by Frank Schaffer Publications which gave her many ideas for fun book reports (mobiles, dioramas, timelines, etc.) She chose to write a book report and give an oral presentation.
Caleb’s assigned reading was Witch Hunt: It Happened in Salem Village. Among many picture books, we also listened to Night Journeys and The Witch of Blackbird Pond on tape in the car.
I was able to find lots of fun freebies online for this unit, too…..
Jamestown Online is a fun game that allows you to make decisions like the original settlers would’ve had to make. In the end (it only takes a few minutes), you see how well your colony survived based on your choices. My kids loved it!
Colonial Williamsburg Kids Zone has all sorts of historical online games that also reinforces academic skills. They are short, sweet and fun!
PBS’s Colonial House site has several fun interactive games and quizzes. Would you have survived the colony?
Quia has a fun colonial quiz.
This Salem Witch Trial Site has a neat video about the trials.
The Colonial America 1600-1775 site is FULL of great links!
I’ll be sharing a few of our favorite projects from this unit in other posts later this week. Right now, we’re off to the Revolutionary War!
