Introduction to Blood on the River: Jamestown 1607
By Elisa Carbone
Introduction: Suppose you were a twelve-year old orphan boy cho becomes Captain John Smith's page on his journey to the new World? You will be participating in this Book Blog as we immerse ourselves in the thoughts and feelings of Samuel Collier as he engages in such an adventure when he boards the ship bound for the New World. Samuel can't believe his good fortune having heard that gold washes ashore with every tide, but beginning with the stormy journey and his first contact with the native people, he realizes the New World is nothing like he had imagined. As he establishes himself in the colony of Jamestown, Samuel begins to see that he can be whomever he wants to be in this new land.
We will be focusing on reading both Samuel's story, as well as historical texts, as we go on this book journey together!
Book Summary: Samuel Collier, a rough-and-tumble young orphan, becomes Captain John Smith's page on his journey to the New World. Brought up in poor conditions, Samuel is street-smart but also quick-tempered. He has to learn to control his anger and to use his head instead of his fists. During the journey on the ship the Susan Constant, Samuel begins to learn how to determine right from wrong. Through his interactions with other boys his age and with key figures such as Captain John Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Master Wingfield, Samuel discovers ways to avoid conflict. His first encounters with the native peoples in the Caribbean and in the New World further teach Samuel about different perspectives and about the value of culture. Survival in the new colony tests Samuel as he evaluates these life lessons and learns to make good choices using his heart and his head.
We will be focusing on reading both Samuel's story, as well as historical texts, as we go on this book journey together!
Book Summary: Samuel Collier, a rough-and-tumble young orphan, becomes Captain John Smith's page on his journey to the New World. Brought up in poor conditions, Samuel is street-smart but also quick-tempered. He has to learn to control his anger and to use his head instead of his fists. During the journey on the ship the Susan Constant, Samuel begins to learn how to determine right from wrong. Through his interactions with other boys his age and with key figures such as Captain John Smith, Reverend Hunt, and Master Wingfield, Samuel discovers ways to avoid conflict. His first encounters with the native peoples in the Caribbean and in the New World further teach Samuel about different perspectives and about the value of culture. Survival in the new colony tests Samuel as he evaluates these life lessons and learns to make good choices using his heart and his head.
Introduction to Jamestown: Role-Play Activity
Background Information: The English system of government in the 17th century was based on heredity, while English society was organized by social rank and wealth. The aristocracy controlled over 75% of the land. While the merchant, professional and gentry classes had opportunities to elevate their status by increasing their wealth, most English citizens belonged to the lower classes and had no such opportunities. For all of these groups within English society, the 17th century was a time of change. England had always been an agricultural country based on grain production. During the 1500s, however, the demand for woolen cloth in Europe soared. By the 1600s, wool had become the basis of the English economy. In order to meet this demand, a series of legal actions made it possible for English landowners to enclose their farms and fence off large areas as grazing lands for sheep. As a result, landowners, wool manufacturers and merchants amassed great wealth, while small farmers and their families were uprooted from their small plots of rented land and drifted from the countryside to towns looking for work. Migrating to a new world seemed a hopeful choice for many of these people who were jobless and homeless. At the same time, wealthy Englishmen were looking for ways to invest their wealth. The charter issued to the Virginia Company of London by King James I in 1606 offered opportunities for many Englishmen, though for vastly different reasons.
Directions for Role-Play Activity
1. Each student will be randomly assigned a rank in society.
2. Watch Video: Discovering Jamestown: The English from HistoryisFun.org
Download HERE
3. QUICK WRITE: After viewing the video, write down everything that you learned about your particular rank.
4. Mrs. McGrath is now going to be a reporter for the class...she may ask you one of the following questions, so be prepared!
5. THINK-PAIR-SHARE-After hearing from your classmates, think about the following questions and be prepared to share with a partner and the class:
2. Watch Video: Discovering Jamestown: The English from HistoryisFun.org
Download HERE
3. QUICK WRITE: After viewing the video, write down everything that you learned about your particular rank.
4. Mrs. McGrath is now going to be a reporter for the class...she may ask you one of the following questions, so be prepared!
- What is your name, and what rank do you have in English society?
- What can you tell us about your role in English society?
- What kind of home do you live in?
- Are you educated? If so, how did you receive your education?
- What do you do for recreation?
- What are your hopes for the future?
5. THINK-PAIR-SHARE-After hearing from your classmates, think about the following questions and be prepared to share with a partner and the class:
- Which group of English society they would you have liked to belong if you had lived in 17th-century England. Why?
- Would you want to go to Virginia as a colonist? Why or why not
- Would you have invested in the Virginia Company? Why or why not?