• When were the Colonial times?  Colonial times refers to the time period during which America was colonized.  The approximate years of colonization are 1565 - 1776.
• Why did the Colonists come to America?  People moved to the colonies for different reasons.   For some, it was the adventure and hopes of wealth.  Some wanted religious freedom.  For most, it was the hope of a better life that brought them to the New World.   They came from all walks of life;  farmers, craftsmen, doctors and lawyers. 
• What did Colonial children wear?  Until age 5 or 6 both boys and girls wore dresses.  After that age, Colonial children dressed very much like their parents.  They commonly wore brightly colored clothing.  
• What did Colonial people eat?  The Indians introduced the Colonists to corn which became a main food source for them.  Corn was made into pudding, ground into cornmeal and roasted.  The Colonists grew a variety of vegetables and squash.  Since most of the Colonies were coastal seafood was a common meal item.  To survive the long winters Colonists would dry fruit and smoke meat.
• Did Colonial children read books?  The Bible was the book most often read.  Children, especially boys, might have a Primer from school.  There were also books on manners which were very important for Colonial children to memorize.
• Were there doctors in Colonial times?  There were not many doctors.  Most often the ill were cared for by family members using herbs as medication.
• Did Colonial families work on Sundays?  Sunday was the Lord's Day and considered a day of rest.  Colonists attended religious services in meetinghouses.  Often times services would last three or four hours.  Colonists did not do any work on Sunday.  In fact they could do no housework, play games or even shave.
• Who could vote?  Men who owned land and were active members of the church could vote.
• What were Colonial houses like?  Most early Colonial houses had one room;  often times there was also a small attic where some of the children would sleep.
• What did children play?  Though they had little time for fun, they would find time for games like tag.  They also sang songs and rhymes.  Boys liked to play ball and climb trees.  Girls would play with dolls (often times made from cornhusks).

Write an Almanac-

Supplies needed:

A copy of Poor Richard's Almanac, Paper, Pencil / Colored Pencils

Poor Richard's Almanac was published by Benjamin Franklin from 1732 - 1758.  This publication was very popular in the Colonies.  It included a basic full year forecast, poems, fun puzzles and trivia, and helpful hints about the household and nature.  The almanac also included proverbs;  some which are still used today.  Many people enjoyed the stories which would continue on from year to year in a series.

Have your student write their own almanac with proverbs, a forecast for the next month, and other fun bits of information.

Create a Colony-

Research how the Colonies began.  What brought the new settlers to the Colonies?  How were the Colonies financed?  Why did Colonists choose to travel to the new settlements?

Create your own colony.  Name your colony.  Decide who will be invited to join you in your new settlement.  How will you finance it?  What products will you produce?  Design a flag and write down laws.
 

Study Location of Colonies-

Locate the Colonies on a map or globe.  Research the areas and discuss how their proximity to the water affected their lives (such as livelihoods, foods consumed, travel, etc).
 

Colony Advertising Brochure-

More immigrants are needed to come to the new settlements in the Colonies.  You have been put in charge of the advertising campaign to encourage others from Europe to sail to the New World.  Create a brochure full of information about the exciting adventure and what a new Colonist could expect.
 

Ink-

Supplies needed:

About 1 cup of extra ripe berries (raspberries and blackberries work well),  1 tsp vinegar,  1 tsp salt, small jar with lid, handheld strainer (that fits to about the same size as the jar opening), measuring spoons, spoon

Put the strainer on top of the jar opening.  Put about 1/4 of the berries the strainer.  Use the spoon to squish the berries and allow the juice to drip into the jar.  Empty the strainer then add in some more and do the same.  When done, add the salt and vinegar to the juice and stir until dissolved.  Keep the lid on tightly and use quickly as it does not take long to spoil.
 

Supplies needed:

White posterboard (not foamboard)Hole punch, Yarn or pipe cleaners,
Crayons and colored pencils

Some Colonial women (especially those who had hired help to take care of some household chores) enjoyed quilting.  With this project you will make a quilt style wall hanging.

Cut squares (8" x 8" or 9" x 9") from the posterboard.    Make a design on each square with crayons or colored pencils.   Use the hole punch to put three evenly spaced holes on each edge of the interior pieces and three holes on three sides of the exterior pieces.  Attach the pieces together into a quilt using the yard or pipe cleaners.  You can use yarn to make a hanger to hang it up too.

Activities Venn Diagram-

Study the daily activities of a Colonial child.  Do a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the information with daily activities of today's children.

Going to the New World-

Your family has decided to go on an adventurous journey to the New World.  Each of you will have a small satchel to put your possessions in.  Make a listing of what you would take.  Why would each item be included?  Would it help you survive in the Colonies or is it a comfort item?  Think carefully about the items you would take.

Have a Proper Tea-

Study the proper way the upper class would have held tea.  Set up your own tea.  Dress for the occasion and don't forget your best Colonial manners.

APPLEJACKS-

Ingredients:

1 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups sifted flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unpeeled apples, chopped

Cream together sugar and shortening.   Beat in egg.  In a separate bowl sift together baking soda, nutmeg and flour then add to shortening mixture.  Roll into small balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375º for about 12 minutes.

BROWN BREAD-

Ingredients:

4 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cups unbleached flour
2 cups brown sugar
4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
4 cups buttermilk

Preheat oven to 350º.  Grease 2 loaf pans.  Mix all dry ingredients together in large bowl.  Slowly add in buttermilk until well blended.  Pour into pans.  Bake for one hour.

COLONIAL OATMEAL COOKIES-

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups oatmeal

Mix ingredients together until soft.  Roll into small balls then flatten onto an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350º for about 10 - 12 minutes.

JOHNNY CAKES-

Ingredients:

2 cups cornmeal
1 cup hot water
dash of salt

Mix cornmeal and water until consistency of a moist ball.  Let it sit for 15 - 30 minutes.  Flatten into small patties.  Heat oil or butter in skillet over medium heat.  Place patties into pan.  Brown on one side then flip and brown on the other.  Serve with butter or honey.

MUSH-

Ingredients:

3 cups water
1 cup instant grits
dash of salt

Boil water.  Stir in grits until thick.  Keep stirring to prevent lumps.  Add dash of salt.  Serve with molasses.

PEANUT SOUP-

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
3 Tbsp flour
8 cups chicken stock / broth
2 cups smooth peanut butter
1 3/4 cups half and half

In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter.  Add onion and celery and cook until softened.  Add flour and cook for 1 - 2 minutes.  Pour in chicken stock and increase heat.  Bring to a boil, stir often.  Reduce heat to medium low for about 15 minutes or until thickened, stir often.  Pour through a strainer over a large bowl.  Return the liquid to the pan.  Mix in peanut butter and half & half.  Heat over low until heated through, stir constantly.