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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/pilgrims-and-plymouth-county/mayflower-challenges
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
The voyage from England to what became Plymouth, Massachusetts was long, difficult, and posed many challenges. It is hard to believe that out of the 102 travelers and over 30 crew members, only 2 people did not make the grueling journey. In this activity, students will choose three significant challenges that the pilgrims faced on their voyage, and use a 3 cell spider map to illustrate and describe them.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating and describing challenges that the Mayflower faced during its voyage to the New World.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a challenge that the Mayflower faced in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/challenge in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Rubric
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Lesson Plan Overview
The voyage from England to what became Plymouth, Massachusetts was long, difficult, and posed many challenges. It is hard to believe that out of the 102 travelers and over 30 crew members, only 2 people did not make the grueling journey. In this activity, students will choose three significant challenges that the pilgrims faced on their voyage, and use a 3 cell spider map to illustrate and describe them.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating and describing challenges that the Mayflower faced during its voyage to the New World.
Student Instructions
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a challenge that the Mayflower faced in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/challenge in the space below the illustration.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Rubric
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Teach Mayflower Challenges Through Storytelling
1
Introduction to Storytelling and Mayflower Challenges
Begin by explaining the concept of storytelling as a way to understand history. Emphasize the power of narratives to convey historical events and emotions. Introduce the challenges faced by the Pilgrims during their Mayflower voyage and their significance.
2
Challenge Selection and Story Creation
Provide a list of Mayflower challenges to your students and ask them to choose three that intrigue them the most. Instruct students to create a short story or narrative that includes the chosen challenges. Encourage them to incorporate historical accuracy, vivid descriptions, and the emotions the Pilgrims might have felt.
3
Storytelling and Artwork
Allocate time for students to illustrate their stories with artwork or drawings. They can create visuals that complement their narratives and enhance the storytelling experience.
4
Story Sharing and Discussion
Have students share their stories with the class, either through oral storytelling or by presenting their written narratives and accompanying artwork. Facilitate a class discussion that focuses on the storytelling process, the challenges the Pilgrims faced, and the effectiveness of using narratives to convey historical information and emotions. Encourage students to reflect on what they've learned through this storytelling activity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pilgrims and Plymouth County - Mayflower Challenges
What key events or hardships from the Mayflower journey should students illustrate in their storyboards?
Students should focus on illustrating key challenges such as adverse weather conditions, cramped living quarters, food shortages, disease outbreaks, and the psychological and physical toll on passengers.
How can students infuse creativity into their storyboards while maintaining historical accuracy when depicting the Mayflower journey's challenges?
Students can incorporate creativity through illustrations, captions, and narratives while ensuring that historical facts and context are accurately represented, striking a balance between creativity and accuracy.
What types of worksheets are most effective for helping students grasp the challenges experienced during the Mayflower journey?
Worksheets like timelines, journal entries, and narrative descriptions are effective for helping students explore and understand the challenges of the Mayflower journey, allowing them to reflect on the historical context.
More Storyboard That Activities
Pilgrims and Plymouth Colony
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/pilgrims-and-plymouth-county/mayflower-challenges
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
