| Lesson 3: Using Primary Documents:
"Agreeable to His Genius"
1 class period (85 minutes)
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| Key Content Ideas Taught in this Lesson and
Teacher Background |
This lesson uses primary sources and documents
to "reinvent" a person in his historical context. John
Partridge Bull was a member of the middling sort who lived in Deerfield
(1731-1813). His documents will be used to illustrate how one can
piece together a life story.
Teacher Background Essay: Agreeable to
His Genius
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| Intended Learning Outcomes |
Understandings
Students will understand:
- World events brought important changes that
impacted Deerfield.
- Deerfield became prosperous because of the
river trade and improved agricultural practices. This prosperity
led to increased refinement.
- Transportation and communication improved.
The central government in Boston expanded the "world view"
of Deerfield, heightening their interest in consumer goods.
- Deerfield was a complex community with members
taking on a variety of roles and jobs, i.e. servant, craftsman,
housewife, clergy, and apprentice.
- Deerfield families had strong kinship ties
with families along the Connecticut River.
Skills
Students will be able to:
- Use information gained from this and other
periods to develop on a continuum showing the growth of the Deerfield
community.
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| In Preparation for Teaching |
1. Read Teacher Background Essay: Agreeable
to His Genius
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Primary and Secondary Sources:
- John Partridge
Bull activity.
- Handout: "Agreeable
to His Genius: John Partridge Bull" (1731-1813)
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| Activities |
Materials in Context |
|
- Discuss with students the importance
of using primary sources to reconstruct the past, illustrating
the varied formats.
- Instruct students to complete the John
Partridge Bull activity on the American Centuries website.
Assignment:
Based on the reading and website investigation,
indicate what characteristics are typical and atypical about
John Partridge Bull on the handout provided.
|
John Partridge
Bull activity
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