Freedom Road: Colonial Life

While historical fiction by Jean Fritz as well as titles like Robert Lawson's "Ben and Me" (1939) or "Mr. Revere and I" (1954) and Esther Forbes's "Johnny Tremain" (1943) are widely known classics that bring this period to life, recent years have yielded a wealth of new offerings--many of which are accessible picture books or read-alouds. These offerings are divided into seven categories. "How It All Began" addresses what brought European explorers and settlers to the shores, while "Jamestown: A Success Story?" focuses on the founding and treacherous beginnings of the Jamestown colony. "Plymouth, the Pilgrims, and the First Thanksgiving" speaks for itself; the fourth and largest grouping, "How They Lived," addresses daily life in general. "Projects Galore" includes activity books that can be used in or out of the classroom. The events and sentiments leading up to the Revolution are described in "Something's Brewing...and It's Not Tea!" Lastly, "What They Left Behind" reveals archaeological findings from the period and what they tell. In addition, technology has made myriad primary-source documents, diaries, letters, and images accessible to all. The highlighted websites engage and enlighten elementary and middle school students with firsthand accounts, brief reenactment videos, games, and activities.