Chapter 6 Lesson 4

 In this lesson we will learn about the differences and similarities of slavery in the New England, Middle and Southern colonies.  Work with your table to make a list of what you already know about slavery in our country.

 Open your textbook to read pages 224 – 225  Pay close attention to the bar graph on page 225  What conclusions can you draw about the talents and skills of enslaved people based on the kind of work they did?  How can you summarize the rate of growth of slavery in the Northern Colonies from 1670 to 1760  Do you think slavery was as important to the economic growth in the Northern Colonies as it was to the Southern Colonies? How can you tell?

 Most of the enslaved people of the colonies came from West Africa. These people brought many skills with them. Some West Africans had experience growing rice. They taught what they knew to farmers in the Carolinas.  Many slaves were artisans and used their talents on plantations.  Music helped to keep the African culture alive on plantations. Eventually some owners would not let slaves sing or play music. They were afraid the instruments sent secret messages to other slaves. Also, the plantation owners knew that pride in their people and their country would encourage the slaves to fight their enslavement

 Read pages 226 – 227 in your textbook.  Copy the “Summarize the Lesson” bullet points into your social studies spiral under the heading Slavery in the Colonies.  When you are finished, show me your notes and I will give you workbook page 55. This will be an opportunity to earn points toward your grade.