Tell It Again! Read-Aloud Anthology - EngageNY

You Were There: Journey on the Mayflower
Have students pretend that they were on the Mayflower with the
Pilgrims. Ask students to describe what they saw and heard.
Consider also extending this activity by adding independent
drawing associated with the “You Were There” concept.
What Would You Take With You On The Mayflower?
Have students pretend that they are traveling across the Atlantic
with the Pilgrims. Remind them that they could only take a few
possessions with them. Tell them to think about what they might
choose to take. Then, tell them that you are going to play a game.
You will begin the game by saying, “I’m sailing on the Mayflower,
and I’m going to take (fill in the blank with something the
Pilgrims would have used in the New World).” Proceed around the
circle. Each student must repeat what has come before and add
something new that would have been useful once they landed.
For example, “I’m sailing on the Mayflower, and I’m going to take
some apples, a hammer, warm clothes, some nails, and .”
Corn: The Wonder Crop
Materials: Writing paper; writing tools; chart paper,
chalkboard, or whiteboard
Remind students that the Native Americans introduced corn to the
Pilgrims. Ask if they remember another name for corn that they
learned during the final song verse. (maize) Tell them that corn was
one of their most important crops and that it is still an important
crop today. Ask students to brainstorm different products that
contain corn. They will likely mention foods, including breakfast
cereals, corn chips, and popcorn. Tell them that corn is also
used in many things that they may never have imagined. (aspirin,
crayons, disposable diapers, etc.) For homework, you may wish to
have students find out how else we use corn in our everyday lives.
Ask them to write down at least one thing and bring it to class the
next day. Then, create a list and/or draw pictures of corn products.
120 Columbus and the Pilgrims | Culminating Activities
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