Which colony will you choose?

In History class, Veronica had an assignment to act as the Mayor of Jamestown Colony and the Mayor of Plymouth colony. Her task was to create a newspaper ad for the audience of English people, enticing them to move to the colony of her choice. 

Jamestown

New Jamestown colony is finally here! It’s rich soil is perfect for growing the best vegetables, fruits and tobacco. The breathtaking view of  the James River will make you want to stay here your whole

life! The friendly Algonquin Indians are already generously sharing their lush land with us! They have provided us with much food including sweet corn. The moist land is perfect for all, providing tons of water. It also offers anchorage in the convenient harbor. Everyone here still follows the Anglican faith, the official Church of England. Most of the Indians do too. Your young ones will have a great time spending their days playing in the green grasses and meadows. Jamestown is by far, the ideal place to live. 

Plymouth

Come stay at Plymouth Colony where you can praise God any way you want. The sparkling blue ocean has very good anchorage and tons of fish. The rich soil is great for farming. Without the helpful, friendly Wamponaog Indians, we wouldn’t have all the delicious sweet corn, yams, beans and much more! All of the colonists living here right now are cooperative, hardworking and helpful. It also has an excellent harbor. You can find lumber, build ships, fish, and trade for a living. Plymouth is located at Plymouth Rock. There is also tons of space for your little ones and things to do, like play in the fields of grass. Plymouth is the best colony to live at.

Interview between Two Historical Figures!

5^th Grade History: Historical Characters Dialogue Assignment.

The Assignment: You will be writing an interview for a news show where Bartolome de Las Casas interviews Pocahontas. Based on your reading of his book “Tears of the Indians,” what kind of questions would he ask?

Based on what you have read about Pocahontas, what would she say in response. What information about her life would she like to communicate?

Criteria: You dialogue should be a page and a half, at least (single-spaced, skipping lines in between each speaker). You should write in an interview format. 

Interview With Las Casas and Pocahontas

Written by Veronica

Las Casas: Hello, Pocahontas. Thank you for inviting me into your abode. (Waves hands around room)

Pocahontas: You are very welcome. Thank you for coming! I can tell this is going to be a very successful meeting. Congratulations on your new book, Tears of The Indians. Your writing truly expresses that the Native Americans are normal and human beings. We, like in your book, are “patient, meek, and kind.” I especially liked the line, “This infinite multitude of people was so created by God.” 

Las Casas: Thank You! It was a challenge writing the book, but my cause is making progress by enlightening the minds of Spanish and English people. I feel strongly about exposing the quote, “Abominable villainies of the Spaniards,” for it tells of the horrid things they have been doing.

Furthermore, I would like to ask you a few questions about your normal life before the English Colonists arrived in Virginia and the people you met.

Pocahontas: Oh, yes I’ve met many colonists, some of them quite cruel. Others were nice, including John Rolfe, who I am currently wedded to. Another colonist named John Smith, I have become very good friends with, in fact, my papa, or Chief Powhatan, has adopted him after I saved him from being executed by father. My father then adopted him for me as a friend. Later we figured out he was actually very nice.

Las Casas: Oh thank you for this valuable information, but I am still bubbling with curiosity. After saving John Smith, did he treat you normally? Did the English colonist realize that you and your tribe are exactly like us?

Pocahontas: Obviously not, Bartolome, they still continue to kill my people for very frivolous reasons, such as building a tent on “their land”, even when we were here first. *Shakes head sadly* Millions of Indians have been killed for really no reason at all.

Las Casas: I see, I cannot express my sorrow and sadness. I will try to do my best to stop this vile behavior.

Pocahontas: Thank you very much. If there is anything I can do to help stop this injustice, please inform me as soon as possible.

Las Casas: Thank you, and I will. Now, let’s move on to more positive things like, what do you like do for fun?

What is your idea of fine dining? *Crosses legs dorkily. * 

How would you describe your personality?

Pocahontas: We farm, but we are mainly hunters. We use fish to fertilize our corn - fields. We’re excellent hunters, farmers, and food gatherers. We eat wild birds and game. The men hunt moose, caribou, beaver, otter, and other small animals. Women gather nuts, greens, and berries. The women also grow corn, beans, and squash. We also eat lots of rice.

Las Casas: Ooh, all that sounds very delectable. *Licks lips*

Pocahontas: Oh it is! We, like regular people, play games with kids, play ball and tag. I did so enjoy cartwheels too!

Las Casas: Very fun! Very fun indeed!

Pocahontas: Now, I would describe myself as adventurous and outgoing and brave. I’m always up for a good adventure like this one here.

Las Casas: Thank you for all this very important information, I will do my best to help. It was very kind of you to take your time! Thank you and farewell!

Pocahontas: Farewell! Thank you!

Two Perspectives: Taino Girl and Spanish boy

Veronica wrote about the arrival of Christopher Columbus, from two different perspectives, using historical details as well.

Taino Girl, Sand Girl

1492, The Caribbean Islands 

I wake up right when the sun rises over the shining ocean. Yawning I scramble to get my little brother up. He is lying on the mat of banana leaves that I wove together for him five suns ago. I leave him there and quickly walk outside. The sun greets me like a feast ready to begin. I soak my face in the salty water and look up at the strip of  ocean that lasts forever. Once Father, tried to reach the end of the ocean, but he kept on going until we couldn’t see him anymore. We tried calling out his name when he reached the end, but he couldn’t hear us. I can imagine him still paddling out there hoping to find a way back home. His name is Big Feet because he is the fastest at everything he does. My mother’ name is Quick Fingers because once she wove one hammock in a day. I look out and can almost see my father’s canoe paddling toward me.

  

Spanish Sailor Boy, Juan

1492, Lost 

            I squint my dark brown eyes trying to be the first to spot land. We have been out at sea for many days. I can barely remember my mother saying, “Adios, be safe,” to me when we left. I hear a bell ring and quickly turn over the hourglass knowing that there are only 300 more minutes until the day ends. I want that gold coin to save for my father. He will be proud of me when I buy him spices at Asia. I’m tired and hungry, but El Capitan de Colon will be mad at me for not waiting to turn the hourglass after thirty minutes. I don’t feel so hungry anymore when I remember last night’s dinner, stale bread with rotten milk made me sick to my stomach. As the sun goes down, I skip supper and lay on the cold, hard wooden floor unsteadily dreaming about the dinner at home. I wonder why I went here in the first place, but remember the riches Marco Polo got when he reached Asia, I fall into a deep sleep.

Taino Girl, Sand Girl

1492, Caribbean Islands

            “Sand Girl! Come here!” Says my mom’s sweet voice. I quickly rush up to the hut the warm sand squishing in between my toes that are the color of warm, delicious, golden yams. My brother, Shooting Star, comes running towards me as he wraps his warm arms around my stomach. He’s as sweet as juicy fruits, but can be cranky when he doesn’t get his way. I tell him about father’s big canoe paddling toward us. I look back as the canoe gets bigger and bigger, but this time it has a red sail attached to it. The men inside are wearing cloth all over their body and their skin is as white as the sand. They look like ugly parrots, instead of feathers; they have brown, bushy hair growing from their chins and above their mouths. They dock their large canoes and march into the shore sloshing the once still waters of the sparkling sea. Dark clouds gather over -head and I can tell that there will be a big storm coming.

Spanish Sailor Boy, Juan 

1492, San Salvador 

I climb cautiously out of the boat and force my eyes to see through the thick layer of fog. A town of people standing with dark skin and dark hair. Their bodies all look very strong like they have been working for days, and smiles cover their faces, some even hold their possessions to trade with us. Their bodies stand stiff against the brittle wind. I feel bad for them, they have no clothes to protect them from the harsh winds, they stand there naked. El Capitan de Colon walks up to them and says, “We are nice, we come here to trade your goods for ours.” One comes up and gives a crewmember a slice of something yellow with a spiky shell. The sailor nibbles on it cautiously then smiles, juice dribbling down his chin. Later that day we find out about something called tobacco, pineapples, hammocks, and a wonderful meat called turkey.

Taino Girl, Sand Girl 

1492, Caribbean Islands

I stare through the hissing fire into the tight face of a sailor boy. He stares at his turkey avoiding my evil glare. A tickle has stayed in my stomach ever since the white men landed here. I do not like them with their beady black eyes and whitish hair. They showed us many beautiful things like large floppy hats (usually red) that you put on your head, and glass beads. Best of all they showed us a sharp silver tool used to kill and cut things. At first I though it came from the sea, it’s end was so sharp it must have been made by the fish, but no. I did not believe him when he said it could kill things with one slice, even humans. I wondered why he would want to kill humans. Late at night when you couldn’t see anything but the twinkling stars, I slid the “sword” out of its soft case. I sliced it across my hand and warm scarlet blood trickled out. I concealed my yelp of pain with my other hand and slid the evil weapon into its pouch.

Spanish Sailor Boy, Juan

1492, San Salvador

I know this is not Asia. There are no spices and the people here are dumb, they couldn’t have made the compass. I saw a girl slice herself with a sword yesterday. At least they have some things, though. I’m tired and want to go back home, but El Capitan de Colon is staying here until the storm goes away. We will be taking some of the Indians with us. They are not all dim-witted; they have skills. They are very kind, almost too kind, therefore it will be easier to capture them. I carry our stuff back to the ship as the clouds clear away. El Capitan is holding an Indian’s hands tightly behind his back as he pushes him into the caravel. 

Taino Girl, Sand Girl

1492, Caribbean Islands

Salty tears run down my face as I run and run up to the leader of the parrots. I grab his cloth and rip and punch until he throws me to the ground and steps on me too. Star Boy’s longing face stares at me from the ship. I run towards it screaming. I can’t hear anything, I feel like using the evil weapon on the leader, but don’t have time. I run up to the ship and stay on with my brother and parents. I knew they were mean. I watch our peaceful island fade away as we start a new life.

Spanish Sailor Boy, Juan

1492, Going Back Home

I sit staring at the dark skinned girl. She stares back with anger I can’t describe. I want to give her a hug, but her hands are tied behind her back for hurting El Capitan. My guilt and sadness washes away as quick as a wave crashes. I turn over the hourglass and say a short prayer for the crew and for the girl. I tell her we will be home soon. Everything will be okay.

Explorers Essay Quiz

As the culmination of her Explorers Unit, Veronica is going to take a sophisticated Essay quiz! She has been practicing her answers to these questions, but will be without notes on the real thing!

5^th Grade History: Explorers Essay Quiz

You will take a quiz which requires you to write two paragraphs about these topics:

1. What were the technological developments that made sea exploration by latitude and longitude possible?

To study for and answer this question, you need to know what each of these does and why it is important.

1.     Compass

2.     Sextant

3.     Astrolabe

4.     Seaworthy ships (why the carvel was better than previous ships)

5.     Chronometers

6.     gunpowder

Refer to your textbook and notes in your binder to help you study.

2. What were the financial gains (entrepreneurial qualities) that Christopher Columbus and Coronado were hoping to find through the explorations?

Think about these ideas:

1.     Faster route to Asia

2.     Cheaper, less dangerous

3.     Getting rare products like silk, spices, and gold, selling for a large profit in Europe, where these items are rare.

4.     What did Coronado hope to find?

Taino Culture and Morning Girl

For 5th grade History class, Veronica read Morning Girl by Michael Dorris, about a Taino girl and her brother. The story takes place right before Christopher Columbus arrived on their island.

Morning Girl Questions

By Veronica 

Nov 22, 2011

1.     1. Do you think it is fair for author Michael Dorris to fictionalize true historical events?

Yes, I think it is fair. This is a children’s book, and if he didn’t fictionalize it, it was all facts, then younger kids wouldn’t understand it as well. The plot makes it more interesting. The only big facts occur at the end of the book, when Columbus comes, that is only 5 pages. Through fiction, we can understand the feelings and thoughts of the characters, and their personalities. We learn about the culture of the Taino people, because we realize that they are such good-natured people, and Columbus enslaved them. Then you can pick which side you want to be on easily.

2.    What do you think of the way Taino people name thier children (based on personalities and hobbies). How is this different from the American naming system?

              The naming system in Taino culture is very interesting. Here, names almost make no sense. Theirs make sense. Here you name a child before they’re born, and that’s their name for the rest of their life. In Morning Girl, it reflects upon their personalities and they get to choose their names.  Your names change over time because you change over time. The boy in the book’s name was “Hungry,” because he was little and always hungry, and he ate too much. His name is Star Boy now because he stays up all night and watches the stars. He knows all the stars and he is admired for his knowledge of the night.  When you get older, you get a real name and feel more confident of yourself. It is a symbolic milestone in your life to get a name, because it is like you’re turning older. In the book, he was running, grabbing the food, and Morning Girl told him to grow up. He realized he wasn’t a baby anymore and he had to live up to his new name.

3.     Change is a major theme in the novel. Three changes (the baby girl, the hurricane, changing names) are important to the story. Tell why. 

One change is the names changing, which symbolizes growing up. The arrival of the baby sister is a change they’re looking forward to, but then she dies, and they are disappointed. This could be foreshadowing or an omen of something bad that is going to happen. The Taino might have thought that the hurricane occurred because it hinted at something bad that was going to happen.

When Christopher Columbus comes, their whole entire culture is changed. They are going to speak Spanish and recruited into the Catholic churches. Their culture is going to be swept away by Columbus and their people will be enslaved.

4. What is the most important thing you learned through reading this novel? Why do you think we read this novel in history class?

The most important thing I learned was about the Taino culture, what they do in everyday life. We saw Columbus’ arrival through the eyes of the Taino people.

Two Perspectives Journal Entries

Check out this intriguing assignment Veronica is working on in History class. Read the directions and sample prompts below. Stay tuned next week and you can read Veronica's journal entries in the voice of two different characters. 

5^th Grade History: Two Perspectives Diary Entries

In 5^th grade history class, we have read about Columbus’ men encountering the native Taino people for the first time. In Jane Yolen’s picture book, Encounter, a Taino boy had a bad dream and tried to warn his people about Columbus’ men, but no one believed him. After they exchanged presents, Columbus left, taking Taino men as “guides,” but really enslaving them. The Taino culture was never the same.  

THINK ABOUT IT

·      What if you were a 12-year-old Spanish sailor boy?

·      What if you were an 11-year old Taino girl?

·      How would you experience Columbus’ journey and arrival in different ways?

Your task is to use your imagination and the facts you’ve learn so far to write historical fiction journal entries from the two perspectives above. Please see sample entries below. When you are finished, your project will have at least 800 words. You will write four entries by the Spanish boy and four entries by the Taino girl.

Spanish sailor boy, Diego

1492, aboard the Santa Maria

On Sunday mornings in Cordoba, Espana, we used to eat a big breakfast and sing hymns at church. I like to sing, even though I do not understand all the Latin words at my Catholic church. At sea, every day is the same. No day is special, like Sunday. We have been away from home for over two months now, and I miss my mother, but I would not admit this fact to anyone. I stay busy swabbing the decks and climbing the rigging to adjust the sails. At suppertime, my stomach rumbles, but all of the food is getting old. There is no more meat, only hard-tack that almost breaks my teeth and moldy potatoes. I hope we reach China soon.

Taino girl, Sun Star

1492, the Caribbean Islands

During the day, I sit on the beach and weave hammocks. I listen to the fishermen call to one another and sometimes, I see sea turtles swimming through the clear green water. Parrots call to each other in the palm trees, and every day is like a song. In the evening, I collect seashells before dinner, or wait for the sun to set. The sand, once warmed by the sun, cools beneath my feet before bed time. At night, I curl up in a hammock, my body tired from a busy day of working. My mother does not know I will make her a shell necklace as a girl. As I drift off to sleep, I hope we can eat mashed sweet potatoes and casava bread for breakfast.

Queen Isabella's Decree

In History, Veronica wrote a "Decree" about Christopher Columbus' voyage and its purposes in the voice of Queen Isabella. Read below!

Queen Isabella’s Decree

By Veronica 

Bienvenidos, my loyal subjects. Some of you have asked as to why I am sending Cristóbal Colón on a westward journey to Asia. Spain will be the first to start the Reconquista and change everybody to Catholicism (p.115, History Textbook). As well, we are embarking upon this historical journey to find riches, spices and gold. We will convert people to our glorious religion and claim land for all of Spain.

Our neighbor on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal, is much smaller, but they are sending explorers out to claim land all the time. They will soon be larger than us if we do not send Cristóbal Colón. We are a fine people and we must show the Portuguese our power and later, our riches. Soon, our empire will be bigger than any country in the world.

Furthermore, in Spain, we are all proud Catholics. In other countries, they have many different religions, which I will not allow.  King Ferdinand and I started the Spanish Reconquista. We fought a war to push all Muslim people out of Spain. Under the Reconquista, we ruled that Muslims and Jews would either have to leave the country, or become Catholic. When we send out Cristóbal Colón, he will convert the people he meets in Asia into Catholics, and thus, our religion will be spread throughout the world.

Spain will become one of the most knowledgeable countries in the world, when we find out that the world is actually round. If Cristóbal Colón arrives there safely, we will have an alternate route to Asia. Instead of navigating the dangerous Silk Road, we will safely and smoothly make it across the sea in a caravel. It will be a quick journey, so Portugal will not attain this knowledge before us.

Even though we are spending a little bit of money from our savings to help Cristóbal Colón, he will bring back enough riches for all of Spain. We will have new spices, gold, silk and more. We will have everything you can dream of from the continent of Asia.

We will be the wealthiest country in the world!

When In Rome...

In History class, Jessica is learning about ancient Rome. She will be hosting a roman forum. Check out her amazing invitation.

Ave mater, pater, and amici. You are cordially invited to the best roman forum of all the centuries, on the 16^th in the year 356 ano domini at 11:30 am. Bring your best toga and gladiatorial shoes for libations and foods of the gods. Athena will make a guest appearance, so have your quills ready. A revered roman poet named aurelia guerinotus will read her prophecy of what will happen to our beloved empire.

Our menu: Authentic roman cuisine

§  “Wine”

§  Pumpkin Bread

§  Toasted almonds

§  Lemonade

§  Fresh fruits

Please send an rsvp to the home (email) of Aurelia (Jessica).

Gratias vobi ago!