Life in Colonial America Adapted from A Day in the Life EPISODE ONE: PRISSY, DENNIS, AND TOM’S DAY

Let’s First Learn Some Important Vocabulary Apprentice- Someone who works for free under a skilled adult in order to learn a trade. Colonial America- Early America in the 1700’s.

What Was Going On In The 1700’s? People were moving from England to America! They wanted freedom from the King of England. They wanted to practice their own religion and lived as they pleased.

What Was Daily Life Like? People had to grow their own food Children had to work at a young age and go to school just like you. They had to learn basic academics and religion. Families had many children. Slavery was common in the early colonies.

On the Job Training Children learned from adults how to work Children took part in apprenticeships. An apprenticeship is when a young person from about 14 works for free with an adult who is skilled in a particular trade.

Types of Apprenticeships Apothecary - acted as pharmacist, doctor, dentist, and general storekeeper Barber - cut hair; also was a surgeon Blacksmith-Armorer - made things from iron and repaired weapons Breechesmaker - made breeches Cabinetmaker - made and repaired furniture Carpenter-joiner - built interiors of ships and houses Chandler - made candles Coachmaker - made coaches and wagons Cooper - made containers of wood, such as barrels Cutler - made, sold, and repaired knives and scissors Farrier - shoed horses and acted as a veterinarian Goldsmith - made hollow ware (bowls, cups, and vases) and jewelry Mantuamaker - dressmaker Milliner - made dresses and hats and sold accessories Printer - published the newspaper, sold books and other printed materials, and often served as postmaster Saddler - made saddles, harnesses, and other leather items Shoemaker Silversmith Tavern Keeper - provided meals, drinks, entertainment, and lodging Weaver Wheelwright - made wheels and carts Wigmaker Whitesmith - made things of iron and steel, then polished them to make them look like silver

Free Time! Children had free time at school. Boys would ride horses and played marbles. Girls rode and walked and did needle work. Girls pretended to do grown up chores like knitting or cleaning. Many families also enjoyed song and dance!

Sundays It was a day of rest except for slaves who were expected to work 7 days a week. Everyone attended church. Families had evening dinners together.

Young Girls Girls were trained to run a household at a young age. They had to know how to cook, do laundry, take care of children, sew, knit, preserve food, garden, and use medicine. Young girls would also help take care of their brothers and sisters.

Young Boys Boys were trained to run plantations and companies. They had to learn how to read Latin and English. Received education from private tutors at home. Took classes in dancing and fencing.

Slaves Slave children did not have much freedom. They learned skills that their Master thought they needed to know. They worked on farms, in stables, or at a trade. Many slaves did not receive an education. Some did learn how to play music.

Conclusion Colonial life was hard for many. Many events could disrupt daily life: injury, illness, serve weather. Your life was very much determined by others, customs, and chance.