November 3, 2009
Dear Parents,
Pilgrims will set sail in Fourth Grade starting Tuesday, November 10! Each day for two weeks, students will participate in a simulation activity to recreate the Pilgrim experience of survival, decision making, and group cooperation. Each day provides a new experience and covers a different aspect of the Pilgrim’s journey and life in the Plymouth Colony. Each activity connects to the previous activity, and each member’s participation is vital to the groups’ success. Please make sure your child is in school each day in order to benefit fully from the program.
Since this is a simulation, we try to have the children feel as if they have time traveled to 1620. To this effort, we all dress in period attire. Children will dress in authentic clothing each morning. On, or before Tuesday, November 10, please send the necessary clothes in a strong bag, preferably cloth. The children will change clothes each morning and use the bag to store the clothing for the two week period. It is not necessary to purchase any clothing for this unit. Please use items from home to create an authentic look. We have found in the past that boys can use elasticized sweat pants pulled up to the knee to replicate breeches. Baseball pants also work well. Girls can use long skirts, blouses, and cloth napkins for head scarves. It is important that you and your child research what was actually worn by the Pilgrims. The concept of black hat, wide belt, and white winged cap are not entirely accurate. Attached is some accurate information on Pilgrim dress that may be useful. There are also web site links on the class web page for you to visit.
The students will be reading a nonfiction book titled If You Sailed on the Mayflower, and a historical fiction book, titled The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple during this unit. In addition they will be keeping a daily journal of their experiences. We are all looking forward to this wonderful unit!
Thank you for your support,
Ms. Anderson, Ms. Carrier, and Ms. Young