When studying the history of the thirteen colonies in America, it is essential to understand the religious and governmental systems that existed during the time of colonization. Teaching your students about the English colonies’ religious and political structures can be a daunting task, but with the right tools, it can be both fun and educational.

Teaching about Religion in the English Colonies

The colonies were predominantly Christian, with different sects existing in each colony. Here are some activities that can help teach your students about religion in the English Colonies.

1. Researching the different colonies’ religious beliefs:

Divide your students into small groups, and assign each group a colony to research about religious beliefs. They can present their findings in class and explain the various beliefs of each colony.

2. Creating a colony census:

Have students imagine that they are conducting a census of their colony. They should collect data on the different religious affiliations of the inhabitants. Once this data is collected, create graphs or charts that demonstrate the proportions of people from each religion.

3. Comparing and Contrasting religious practices:

Ask students to research a particular religion’s practices in the English colonies and compare that with their present-day practices. Students can also evaluate how that religion’s practices have evolved over time.

Teaching about Government in the English Colonies

The English colonies had different forms of government, ranging from proprietary, royal, and charter governments. Here are some activities that can help teach your students about the government in the English colonies.

1. Constitutional Convention Simulation:

Split your students into groups and have them create a new constitution for their colony. This activity gives them the opportunity to understand the process of creating a constitution, as well as the different forms of government that existed in each colony.

2. Analyzing primary sources:

Provide students with a primary source document from the time of the colonies, and have them analyze it. These can include documents like the Mayflower Compact, which would help students comprehend what life was like in the colonies and how it differed in royal, proprietary, and charter colonies.

3. Comparing and contrasting government structures:

Ask students to compare the government structures of different English colonies. This would help them understand how the government structures evolved and how different forms of government operated.

Conclusion

Teaching your students about the religious and governmental structures of the English colonies will provide them with a better understanding of the colonies’ history. These activities will foster critical thinking and improve their understanding of religion and government during the colonies’ time. Ensure that students engage with primary and secondary sources, including artifacts and archival materials, to appreciate the life of the colonial period fully. By engaging in these types of activities, your students will not only understand the material better, but they will also appreciate and enjoy the learning process.