Colonial Life, Then and Now

Food, clothing, homes, travel, letters, and games, then and today.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 19

Life in colonial times was different from life today. Colonists had no electricity, so they lit their homes with candles.
Colonists traveled by horse, or by sailing ship across the ocean. A trip that takes hours today could take weeks!
To send news, colonists wrote letters with quill pens. Riders carried the letters on horseback. Today, we call or text.
Most families grew their own food, cooked over a fireplace, and sewed their own clothes. Today, most of us buy food and clothes in stores.
Some things are the same! Colonial kids played tag and marbles, helped with chores, and ate meals with their families.
Your turn! Sort them. Is it from long ago, or from today?
Try it with a grown-up! Turn off the lights for ten minutes and use a flashlight. How would your evening be different without electric lights?

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS1H1.b — Describe how everyday life of these historical figures is similar to and different from everyday life in the present (for example: food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation, etc.).
IPS.1 — Information Processing Skill 1: compare similarities and differences