Grade 3 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 7, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
From Sea to Shining Sea

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 7, Lesson 2: Life in the Eastern Forest (pp. 121-125)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Interdependence The early settlers who moved inland depended on thier own skills and helpful Indians who taught them to use the forest's natural resources.

Begin by pointing out common classroom objects, such as desks, walls, students' lunches, lunch boxes, and clothing. Ask students who made each item. Write these headings on the chalkboard: Food, Clothing, Shelter. Then ask students to think about what the early settlers needed to survive in the wilderness. Write their list on the chalkboard under the correct heading and ask students who they think made each item. Help them conclude that early settlers who lived inland had to learn how to produce most of their food, clothing, and shelter.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

With students, generate a lists of questions they might like to ask the early settlers about everyday life. Then, have pairs take turns pretending to be one of the early settlers. The other partner can ask the questions.
Have students work together to make a mural of a settler's home, farm, and the surrounding forests. Have students point to things the settlers made themselves, such as the cabin, food, and tools. They can show Indians teaching settlers how to plant corn, beans, and squash.

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