| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | History |
| What age group | Year or Grade 10 |
| What topic | Life in the colonies |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
Today, we will explore what life was like in the American colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to compare and contrast the daily lives of different colonial groups and understand the social, economic, and cultural influences during this period.
As students enter the classroom, have them find a "postcard" on their desks addressed to them. The postcard will be decorated with images reflecting colonial life, such as a bustling market, a family working in the fields, or a serene colonial home.
Dear Future Travelers,
Greetings from the year 1750! My name is Sarah, and I live in a small village near the coast of New England. Life here is anything but dull! Whether it’s helping mother in the kitchen, spinning wool for our clothes, or attending church on Sundays, each day holds new adventures and challenges.
I wish you could see our lively markets where farmers gather to sell fresh produce and merchants showcase their handcrafted goods. And did I mention the annual harvest festival? It’s a sight to behold, with games, food, and dancing!
But not everything is easy. Many families work hard from dawn until dusk, and we often face hardships like bad weather or crop failures. Still, we make do and support one another—community is everything here.
I hope you’ll join me soon to experience the vibrancy of colonial life!
Sincerely,
Sarah from New England
P.S. Don’t forget to bring your curiosity and open minds!
After allowing a couple of minutes for students to read the postcard, gather them in a circle to discuss their thoughts:
Following the discussion, prompt the students with a question: "Now that we've caught a glimpse into Sarah's world, how do you think different colonies experienced life differently based on their geography, economy, and cultural practices?" This will lead seamlessly into the day's lesson, where students will dive deeper into various aspects of colonial life, including governance, economy, social structures, and indigenous interactions.
This creative introduction sets the stage for an engaging history lesson while fostering curiosity and empathy towards the lives of those who lived in the American colonies.