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Summary and Objective
From the information gathered in this lesson and shared in later discussions, each student will understand that the games from earlier periods resemble ones played today, but the materials that they were made from and their names were different due to the availability of supplies and skills. What made them fun to play then, applies to the games we play today.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
In the classroom, share readings from books dealing with play in American history. Discuss the project to create a game based on research of games played in America in earlier days. Create a worksheet with columns for names of games, materials needed to plan, and materials used to make the game. View images from the digital collection accompanying this activity, as well as readings and pictures from books and other web sites to fill in the worksheet.
Step 2.
Go to the IN THE CLASSROOM section of the AmericanCenturies web site. Click on LIFE IN A NEW ENGLAND TOWN. Scroll down to Lesson 13 DRESS, DANCE AND GAMES 1780-1820 and read about games at the turn of the century, Snail, Graces, Hunt the Ring, and Jack Straws. Add these to the worksheet. Another web site that offers information on colonial or early American games or activities is <library.thinkquest.org/J002611F/recreation.htm>.
Step 3.
Optional - go to the website <OSV.org>. Go to Learning Lab - Graphics Database - Leisure and Recreation or go to Kids - Games and Puzzles for interactive games.
Step 4.
Additional - another brief description of leisure activities from Old Williamsburg may be found at <history.org/Alomanack/places/geddy/geddyhdr.cfm>. Go to the passage on Children.
Step 5.
Optional - the third web site is - history.org/kids/games. Go to jigsaw puzzles and try them. Other games are also available.
Step 6.
Now create a class list from the student forms filled out by the class to begin working on the games and to discuss materials and timelines.
Step 7.
Using the list of games, students select one game to create with an adult (this may include janitors, aides, itinerant teachers, volunteers, cafeteria workers, principals, etc) as consultants and guides for the students. Another option is to ask parents to assist students in this project.
Step 8.
Post activity - Share finished projects in a carnival where everyone plays games. Another possibility would be to invite a local historian in to discuss or demonstrate childhood games as part of the process.
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