Activity Overview
The Puritans had a very strict and specific belief system and set of rules. Those who did not follow or openly denounced these rules were punished, forced to leave the colony, or both. In this activity, students will three of these beliefs and create a storyboard that illustrates each one. The teacher can assign certain beliefs they would like students to cover, or provide a list and allow students to choose.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 3 cell spider map illustrating and describing Puritan beliefs.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment”.
- Write a Puritan belief in each heading.
- Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Write a short summary of each heading/challenge in the space below the illustration.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The descriptions are clear and at least two sentences. | The descriptions can be understood but it are somewhat unclear. | The descriptions are unclear and are not at least two sentences. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How to Teach Puritan Beliefs through Debate and Critical Thinking
Introduction to Puritan Beliefs
Begin by providing an overview of Puritan beliefs, values, and religious practices. Highlight three key Puritan beliefs that students will explore through debate. Offer context on the historical and societal factors that shaped Puritanism in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Preparation for Debate
Divide the class into two groups: the "Puritans" and the "Non-Puritans." Assign roles within each group, such as Puritan leaders, dissenters, or community members. Provide resources, including primary source documents and readings, that represent Puritan beliefs and criticisms from non-Puritan perspectives. Encourage students to research and prepare arguments based on their assigned roles and beliefs.
Classroom Debate
Organize the classroom debate where students from both groups present their arguments, defending or critiquing Puritan beliefs. Set ground rules for the debate, including time limits for each side, respectful discussion, and opportunities for rebuttals and counterarguments. Facilitate the debate by posing thought-provoking questions, guiding the discussion, and ensuring that students stay on topic.
Reflection and Discussion
After the debate, lead a reflective discussion where students share their insights, observations, and personal takeaways from the activity. Encourage students to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Puritan beliefs and the impact of such debates on the Massachusetts Bay Colony and American history. Conclude the lesson by connecting the debate to the broader historical context and emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and civil discourse in understanding complex historical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Puritan's Beliefs
How can storyboards effectively illustrate the core theological beliefs of the Puritans in the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
Storyboards can effectively illustrate the core theological beliefs of the Puritans by visually representing scenes of devout worship, emphasizing their belief in predestination, the elect, and the central role of the church. Through visual narratives, students can grasp the importance of religious faith in their daily lives and society.
What types of worksheets are most effective for teaching students about the specific ways Puritan beliefs influenced the legal and political structures of the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
Worksheets that are most effective for teaching students about how Puritan beliefs influenced the legal and political structures of the Massachusetts Bay Colony may include charts or diagrams that depict the theocratic nature of the government. These visual aids can help students understand how religious principles were integrated into the colony's governance.
In what ways can worksheets explore the impact of Puritan beliefs on the development of education and institutions like Harvard College in the Massachusetts Bay Colony?
Worksheets can explore the impact of Puritan beliefs on education by providing historical accounts, biographical information, and timelines. These resources can help students recognize the Puritans' emphasis on education, their role in founding institutions like Harvard College, and the enduring influence of their commitment to learning.
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