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"Picturesque Franklin"
"Buckland"
"Select School at Buckland"
"Abstract of the Massachusetts School Returns for 1838-9"
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Summary and Objective
The goal of this activity is for students to learn about two individual's efforts to teach school in Buckland in the 1800s: Robert Hall, a 19 year-old-boy; and Mary Lyon, a young lady who first taught school at the home of Major Joseph Griswold in Upper Buckland. Mary Lyon ultimately founded Mt. Holyoke College for women. Students will compare these highly motivated young educators and discover who successfully fulfilled their dream. Upon conclusion of this activity, students will understand that individual efforts were an important part of the beginnings of public education in New England towns, using the example of the town of Buckland, a rural hilltown in Franklin County, Massachusetts.
Teaching Plan
Step 1.
Using the map, brainstorm and look for locations of schools in Buckland. Also locate the birthplace of Mary Lyon and the home of J.W. Griswold.
Step 2.
Examine the other digital items for information about these two educators and about early schools in Buckland. (In "Picturesque Franklin," look at pages 38-45,113, and 71. In "School Returns," look at pages 188-9 and 191.)
Step 3.
Research additional information about Robert Hall and Mary Lyon and their respective schools, using school and public libraries and the Internet. (For more information on Mary Lyon, students can also contact the Mary Lyon Foundation -- see the Web site link below.)
Step 4.
Organize the information collected.
Step 5.
Prepare a brief report, display, timeline, or drawing that summarizes one aspect of this research.
Step 6.
Share this information with other classes.
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