Students first brainstorm historical events that were motivated by religion. Then they compare and contrast Spanish missions and English colonies settled for religious freedom. Next they learn about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, and they reflect on the relationship between harvest and religious festivals. Finally, they explore many individuals who contributed to religious freedom across the English colonies.
Students review how “gold, God, and glory” motivated European exploration, then focus on religion as a motive. They view an image depicting the Catholic Church receiving subjects from different continents and contribute to a shared table by posting examples of historical events they know that were motivated by religion.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the experience overview and objective, preview key vocabulary, and, if available, connect to leveled readers about the Pilgrims or Puritans. Use the image description to clarify the religious themes it portrays. Monitor and review student posts in the table, prompting discussion and, if needed, offering examples such as the Crusades, September 11, and various civil wars linked to religion before moving the class forward.
Students read background text explaining how Spanish missions aimed to convert Native peoples to Christianity and how some English colonists sought religious freedom to practice their own beliefs. They then complete a Venn diagram graphic organizer comparing and contrasting the role of religion in Spanish missions and English settlements in North America.
Teacher MovesClarify the historical context of Spanish missions and English colonies, emphasizing different religious goals and impacts on Native peoples and settlers. If needed, explain how to use a Venn diagram and model examples of similarities and differences. Circulate to support students as they complete the organizer, prompting them to use evidence from the text, and review key comparisons before unlocking the next scene.
Students examine an image of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock and read about the Pilgrims, the Mayflower Compact, William Bradford’s leadership, and Squanto’s assistance. They read an adapted passage from Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation describing the colony’s first successful harvest, answer a comprehension question about what the Pilgrims were thankful for, and learn about examples of autumn harvest festivals in different cultures. Finally, they post a response explaining why many cultures celebrate the autumn harvest with a religious festival.
Teacher MovesHighlight the significance of the Pilgrims, the Mayflower Compact, and William Bradford’s role, clarifying vocabulary such as “harvest” and “interpreter.” Consider reading the adapted Bradford passage aloud to support comprehension, then guide students in identifying what the Pilgrims appreciated. Introduce examples of global harvest festivals and facilitate discussion about the connection between food, gratitude, and religious practice. Share strong student responses from the wall, discuss the uncertain origins of Thanksgiving, and explain that it became a national holiday under Abraham Lincoln.
Students read about the Puritans’ search for religious freedom and the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, then learn how Puritan leaders limited others’ religious freedom. They study brief accounts of Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson, Thomas Hooker, the Middle Colonies’ religious diversity, and William Penn’s advocacy for religious freedom and opposition to slavery. Students choose one featured person or colony, optionally conduct additional reading, and write a paragraph explaining how that person or place contributed to religious freedom in the British colonies, posting their work to a shared wall.
Teacher MovesClarify how the Puritans’ actions conflicted with their stated desire for religious freedom and introduce key figures and colonies that expanded religious liberty, including the idea of separation of church and state. Optionally direct students to additional resources on the Puritans and assign specific topics to ensure a range of people and colonies are covered. Support students as they research and draft their explanatory paragraphs, prompting them to use details from the text. Encourage students to read and respond to classmates’ posts to deepen understanding before advancing to the final scene.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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