History Lessons By Teachers

Indenture

Created 28 February 2006 by Pam Estock

Grade Level(s): middle school (7 - 9)
Historical Era(s): Colonial 1600 - 1750, New Nation 1750 - 1800, Civil War Era 1860 - 1880
Content Area(s): English Language Arts, US History, Economics, Civics/Government

Indenture between Justin Hitchcock and Moses Church

Indenture of Sarah Green

document
Indenture of Zechariah Gilson of Northfield

Summary and Objective

"Indenture" is a new concept for students to explore. This lesson will define the word, examine the status of the "indentured" in society, and explore the economic and educational advantages and disadvantages to the individual as well as the society as a whole. Students will understand that the notion of indenture was both a promise and an obligation for both parties involved. The students will determine the requirements of both parties involved in an indenture agreement in order to decide if the indentured party was a "slave" or an "apprentice" during his service.

Teaching Plan

Step 1. Since the articles to be used for this activiity are from two points of view, a brief review of perspective may need to preface this activiy.

Step 2. Students will read the selected accounts written by indentured people. To establish the procedure and acquaint the students with how to use the documents, the first document,The Indenture of Sarah Greene, will be analyzed by the entire class with teacher guidance. This allows instruction in using the "Show Text" capability and the additional information with links found at the bottom of the document.

Step 3. Then, using the other two readings and the information available, students will write their own definition about what "indentured" meant. To guide their reading and to focus their thinking, a worksheet with questions is provided. Indenture 1. Who is being indentured? 2. Who will this person be indentured to? 3. How old is the person being indentured? 4. How long will this person be indentured? 5. What duties (jobs/responsibilities) will the indentured person perform? 6. What does the document say the owner of the indenture must do for the indentured person? 7. Any other relevant information found in the document.

Step 4. The students will then share their definitions with a partner in order to clarify and expand their understandings through discussion

Step 5. This discussion will then be brought to the full classroom. Students will share their findings as a presentation.