New York State Test Prep Social Studies 5 (Grade 4) Colonial and Revolutionary Period

The purpose of this page is to acquaint teachers and parents with different resources available for teaching about the Daily Activities during the colonial and revolutionary periods. Of course, we have at least two excellent museums in central New York that all school children should visit if possible. The hands on experience is priceless.

Genesee Country Village and Museum

For those living in western New York, this offers an excellent hands on experience. It is 20 miles from Rochester. "This living history museum is the largest in New York, and one of the largest in the nation. Each of the 58 19th-century buildings has been moved to the site, restored to original condition, and furnished with period antiques. As you stroll through the buildings, "villagers" in period dress tell you about 1800s Genesee River Valley life. Live demonstrations of crafts and tasks of the 19th century take place every day, including blacksmithing, cooking, spinning, and much more."

Cooperstown Farmer's Museum

For those living in eastern New York, this living museum is very educational. "A visit to The Farmers' Museum enables you to explore our rural heritage. Turn back the pages of time to 1845 when you stroll through our historic village and working farm. Meet the craftspeople who continue the traditions of tradesmen from the 19th century, learn about life on the farm firsthand, and experience the celebrations and day-to-day routines of rural Americans."

Document Based Questions

Three examples of DBQs are found at the Yorkers site. They are easy to download and print. The questions are on the following topics:

Late 1800s Farm Family
Dairy Farming: a Growing Industry
Impact of Railroads on NY in 1800s

Writing Activity or Research Project

This link http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~sam/occupation.html

will take you to a long list of occupations with names we no longer use like:

SLOP SELLER: a person who sold cheap, ready-made garments

SKEPPER: a person who made and sold beehives

PICAROON: a pirate, or a pirate's ship; a thief, adventurer, or rogue

LEECH or SAWBONES: physician

FRISEUR: a hair dresser

EYER: a person who made eyes in needles used for sewing; also called a Holer

BROWNSMITH: a person who worked with copper or brass

There are several possibilities here:

Choose ten of these "different" occupations and develop questions for the children. Research questions could be: What is the actual job? Does anybody do that today? Any qualifications for this job? Where would they live? What would they wear?
Choose an occupation and pretend you are that person. Write a journal. What would a possible day be like? a possible year? Where would they live? What do they do?

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