Building our homes in the wilderness of Maryland
We simulated the difficulties the colonists faced in building their homes when they landed in the new colony of Maryland in 1634.
We walked outside tot he wooded area of the playground and observed our "new" land. We discussed the obstacles inherent in creating a society from the wilderness. The children were divided into families and tasked with building homes - small Lincoln-log style homes. Without more direction than that, they were off.
After 7 minutes, I announced that the sun was setting and work was completed for the day. The discussion that ensued was especially interesting. First, we discussed the frustration at being given such a small amount of time to work. We discussed the tremendous job that faced the colonists - they had to cut down trees, hew the wood, prepare the land, and finally build their homes. In our simulation, we just had to collect sticks (the children quickly realized that sticks of a similar size worked best in keeping their structures stable.
After the next 7 minute period, the students were more successful. Most groups finished their homes and were able to decorate them with sticks, flowers, etc. The ensuing discussion was even more interesting. The groups that worked harmoniously were the most successful, had the most stable structures, and had decorations. The one group that didn't work well together ended with a pile of sticks. We spent the most time at that "house". The children inherently understood the need for the early colonists to work as a group and compromise to ensure the success of the entire colony. It was the best teaching point of the lesson and I was grateful for that group.
See the before and after pictures below.
We walked outside tot he wooded area of the playground and observed our "new" land. We discussed the obstacles inherent in creating a society from the wilderness. The children were divided into families and tasked with building homes - small Lincoln-log style homes. Without more direction than that, they were off.
After 7 minutes, I announced that the sun was setting and work was completed for the day. The discussion that ensued was especially interesting. First, we discussed the frustration at being given such a small amount of time to work. We discussed the tremendous job that faced the colonists - they had to cut down trees, hew the wood, prepare the land, and finally build their homes. In our simulation, we just had to collect sticks (the children quickly realized that sticks of a similar size worked best in keeping their structures stable.
After the next 7 minute period, the students were more successful. Most groups finished their homes and were able to decorate them with sticks, flowers, etc. The ensuing discussion was even more interesting. The groups that worked harmoniously were the most successful, had the most stable structures, and had decorations. The one group that didn't work well together ended with a pile of sticks. We spent the most time at that "house". The children inherently understood the need for the early colonists to work as a group and compromise to ensure the success of the entire colony. It was the best teaching point of the lesson and I was grateful for that group.
See the before and after pictures below.
This column shows us gathering sticks and This column shows our homes once they were
beginning our homes. were finished. Notice the pile of sticks. As one
child in that group comments, "We were all
trying to do our own thing and no one listened
to anyone else." The children then discussed
the life-and-death necessity of working
together that the colonists faced.
beginning our homes. were finished. Notice the pile of sticks. As one
child in that group comments, "We were all
trying to do our own thing and no one listened
to anyone else." The children then discussed
the life-and-death necessity of working
together that the colonists faced.
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