Social Studies

We read the book Sarah Morton's Day by Kate Waters/photos by Russ Kendall. The book depicts a day in the life of a pilgrim girl, Sarah Morton. She was an actual person, and the book is based upon records and diaries of the day. We learned many interesting facts about day-to-day life in Plimouth Plantation:

1. There were no forks.
2. The children had to stand at the table when they ate.
3. The children could only speak when spoken to.
4. The beds were rolled up and put away in the daytime.
5. The children had many chores.
6. They did not attend school.
7. Many women and girls did not know how to read.
8. They had to rely upon their imaginations and simple toys/games for entertainment.
9. The cabins were hot and fly-ridden in the summertime and cold and dark in the winter.

The second graders were most fascinated by the fact that pilgrim children only took baths about once a month! The pilgrims' undergarments were washed occasionally, but the outer layers of clothing were only brushed clean. (This explains the references to "dirty clothes" in their paragraphs!)

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Note: During the past weeks we've been discussing (in class) all we have to be grateful for. As you know, the boys and girls are very grateful for their parents, homes, food, shelter and friends. As their teacher, I am very grateful to have such a wonderful class. I wish the boys and girls and their families a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

-Ms. Prine