The Puritans had a very strict and specific belief system and set of rules. Those who did not follow or openly denounced these rules were punished, forced to leave the colony, or both. In this activity, students will three of these beliefs and create a storyboard that illustrates each one. The teacher can assign certain beliefs they would like students to cover, or provide a list and allow students to choose.
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Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating and describing Puritan beliefs.
Student Instructions:
Requirements:
Begin by providing an overview of Puritan beliefs, values, and religious practices. Highlight three key Puritan beliefs that students will explore through debate. Offer context on the historical and societal factors that shaped Puritanism in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Divide the class into two groups: the "Puritans" and the "Non-Puritans." Assign roles within each group, such as Puritan leaders, dissenters, or community members. Provide resources, including primary source documents and readings, that represent Puritan beliefs and criticisms from non-Puritan perspectives. Encourage students to research and prepare arguments based on their assigned roles and beliefs.
Organize the classroom debate where students from both groups present their arguments, defending or critiquing Puritan beliefs. Set ground rules for the debate, including time limits for each side, respectful discussion, and opportunities for rebuttals and counterarguments. Facilitate the debate by posing thought-provoking questions, guiding the discussion, and ensuring that students stay on topic.
After the debate, lead a reflective discussion where students share their insights, observations, and personal takeaways from the activity. Encourage students to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Puritan beliefs and the impact of such debates on the Massachusetts Bay Colony and American history. Conclude the lesson by connecting the debate to the broader historical context and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and civil discourse in understanding complex historical issues.
Storyboards can effectively illustrate the core theological beliefs of the Puritans by visually representing scenes of devout worship, emphasizing their belief in predestination, the elect, and the central role of the church. Through visual narratives, students can grasp the importance of religious faith in their daily lives and society.
Worksheets that are most effective for teaching students about how Puritan beliefs influenced the legal and political structures of the Massachusetts Bay Colony may include charts or diagrams that depict the theocratic nature of the government. These visual aids can help students understand how religious principles were integrated into the colony's governance.
Worksheets can explore the impact of Puritan beliefs on education by providing historical accounts, biographical information, and timelines. These resources can help students recognize the Puritans' emphasis on education, their role in founding institutions like Harvard College, and the enduring influence of their commitment to learning.