Pilgrims of Plymouth (Rise and Shine)
Rise And Shine Series
on Goodreads (50)
What’s inside...
This picture book explores what life was like for pilgrim children in 17th-century Massachusetts. It reveals that instead of attending school, pilgrim children helped with chores and played games like marbles. Without grocery stores, pilgrims had to hunt and gather food, cooking it on open fires or outdoor ovens. The book features dramatic photos of historical reenactments and lively text, providing a vivid portrayal of daily life in Plymouth colony and fostering an early interest in history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges do you think the Pilgrims faced when they arrived in Plymouth?
How do you think the Pilgrims felt when they celebrated their first harvest?
Why is teamwork important when starting something new like the Pilgrims did?
What are some ways we can be thankful for what we have today, similar to how the Pilgrims were?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and distraction-free environment to make the reading session enjoyable and engaging.
Ask questions before, during, and after reading to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and connect it to their own experiences.
Relate the struggles and triumphs of the Pilgrims to challenges your child faces, enhancing understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to imagine what life was like for the Pilgrims and draw parallels to modern life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates how the Pilgrims collaborated with each other and the Native Americans to survive their first year.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by working together with classmates on group projects or supporting family members in household chores.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The story depicts the Pilgrims’ challenging journey and how they persisted despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or dealing with a tough situation at school.
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The first Thanksgiving is a central theme, highlighting the importance of being thankful for what one has.
Real-World Application: Children can practice gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating what they have, and expressing thanks to friends and family.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Respect for Different Cultures
Explanation: The mutual support and learning between the Pilgrims and Native Americans showcase intercultural respect and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their interactions with others.