There are many books related to Colonial America that can help students better visualize and understand the time period. Some short picture books can be used as a whole class read-alouds, where other longer books can be used as longer novel studies. In this activity, students will create a plot summary of a book they have read or a book shared with the class.
Here are some examples of literature that relate to the 13 Colonies:
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Due Date:
Objective: Summarize the story in a 3-5 cell storyboard describing the main events in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.
Student Instructions
Begin by selecting a range of literature that reflects the Colonial American period. This can include both fiction and non-fiction works that provide insights into the era's social, cultural, and historical aspects. Introduce the selected literature to the class, providing context on how each book connects to the topics being studied in the history curriculum.
Assign the literature for reading. This could be done individually, in groups, or as a class read-aloud, depending on the book's complexity and the class's reading levels. After the reading, facilitate a class discussion on the historical context of the story, focusing on how it reflects the life, beliefs, and challenges of the time.
Instruct students on how to write a plot summary, emphasizing the importance of covering key elements such as setting, characters, main events, conflict, and resolution. Provide students with templates or graphic organizers to help them structure their summaries. For younger students or those needing more guidance, consider using a storyboard format to visually map out the plot.
Have students present their plot summaries to the class. This can be done through oral presentations, displaying storyboards, or sharing written summaries. Conclude with a reflection session, where students discuss what they learned about Colonial America through the literature and how it has deepened their understanding of the historical period.
Several prominent authors defined the literary landscape of Colonial America. Anne Bradstreet, known as the first published American poet, wrote deeply personal poems that reflected her life and experiences in the New World. Jonathan Edwards, a preacher and theologian, was renowned for his sermons, particularly "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which epitomized the fire-and-brimstone religious fervor of the Great Awakening. Thomas Paine, with his influential pamphlet "Common Sense," played a pivotal role in stirring American sentiment towards independence. Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved African woman, achieved remarkable literary acclaim for her poetry, which often touched on themes of freedom and equality. William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" provided a detailed historical account of the early years of the Plymouth Colony. These authors, among others, not only gave voice to their individual experiences but also helped to shape the emerging cultural and national identity of the American colonies.
The literature of Colonial America was deeply intertwined with the socio-political context of the time. Religious texts and sermons, which were abundant, reflected the predominant religious zeal and were often used to enforce moral standards and social order. Political writings, like pamphlets and essays, were instrumental in shaping public opinion and rallying support for colonial resistance against British rule, especially in the period leading up to the American Revolution. Personal narratives and diaries provided insight into the daily life and struggles of colonists, offering perspectives on issues like settlement, interactions with Native Americans, and colonial governance. The diversity of these literary works mirrors the complexities and tensions of colonial life, providing a window into the challenges, aspirations, and evolving identities of early American settlers.
Effective worksheets for analyzing Colonial American Literature should encourage engagement with the text while fostering critical thinking and comprehension. They could include sections for literary analysis, focusing on elements like theme, tone, and style. Questions that prompt students to examine the historical and cultural context of the writings, and how they reflect the values and issues of the time, can deepen understanding. Comparative analysis exercises can be included, where students contrast different authors or works to explore varied perspectives. Worksheets can also incorporate creative response elements, such as writing a modern interpretation or a personal reflection on a piece of colonial literature. Additionally, including vocabulary exercises related to the language of the period can enhance students' grasp of the texts. These approaches ensure that students not only read the literature but also actively engage with it, developing a richer understanding of the colonial era.