Title of Lesson: First grade lesson on “Life in Early America”

Essential Question(s):How and why did the early settlers come to America? How did they survive in the new world?

Lesson Objective:Students will identify major events, people and patterns in American history.

Standard(s):SL.1.4: Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings freely.

Content Area(s): Language Arts and Social Studies

Resources: Maps Non-Fiction Genre Artifacts for visual and kinesthetic learners Ship, Mayflower, made with cardboard sides Teepee with artifacts inside and outside LMS and teacher playact as pilgrims and Squanto

Vocabulary:England, King, Holland, Pilgrims, Trunk, Mayflower, Sails, Oars, Plymouth Rock, Indians

Activity Overview:(45 minute lesson)

1. Map study to learn where the pilgrims lived.2. Students’ playact the part of the pilgrims.3. LMS holds a Town Hall meeting with the pilgrims and

establish why they are leaving for America and what they will be allowed to take on the ship.

4. Students get on the Mayflower, (made of cardboard sides), and they encounter the rough seas with sound effects and the lights out.

5. Finally land in America and eat sparingly of their limited food supply. I give each a cracker and tell them that it has to last all day.

6. We get off the boat and the classroom teacher playing Squanto, teaches them how to survive and live in the new world. Teacher has script prepared by the LMS.

7. This brings the students up to the first Thanksgiving story.8. Students and teachers alike love the lesson. Teachers want

a repeat each year for their students

Created and Submitted by: Eugenia Forman, LMS at Una Elementary.

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