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Summary and Objective
During the mid 1800s, the northeast was becoming more self-sufficient. Using their own natural resources and developing new methods and machines, occupations were changing. Students will understand that the occupations of this time reflect the changes in economics and industry in the country as a whole, and in the northeast in particular. After reviewing documents and pictures, students will write advertisements to show their understanding of the jobs of that time.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Read "A River Ran Wild" written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry. Discuss the changes in work done by people throughout the developing times in the Northeast.
Step 2.
Have the students find the pages (first six story pages) in the story that reflect the new inhabitants' changes to the land, way of life and differences in tools, machines, and goods they used. Use the pictures in the story to help the students visualize.
Step 3.
Discuss the resources and materials needed to support the new inhabitants' way of life. Brainstorm where these materials and goods would come from,the problems associated with getting supplies from Europe and the benefits of producing these supplies close by.
Step 4.
Divide the students into groups of two or three. Distribute copies of the occupations described in the book "Little Jack of All Trades" found in the digital collection of the American Centuries website. Give students time to read, discuss and ask questions regarding the language of the book.
Step 5.
Have the students work in their groups to decide what skills and qualities would be needed to be successful at the given job. Have them make a list of these qualities.
Step 6.
Students will write newspaper want ads using the lists they have developed. (Depending on prior knowledge of classified ads, you may want to read actual help-wanted ads to give students an idea of their goal.)
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