The colonial period of North Carolina and American history extends from the time of settlement by non-natives through the Revolutionary War. At the time of exploration and settlement, many American Indian tribes lived in the area that is now North Carolina. Permanent settlement of Carolina by Europeans began in the mid-17th century as settlers from Virginia pushed into present-day North Carolina. In 1663, King Charles II granted the land that is now North Carolina to eight Lords Proprietors; thus, North Carolina became a colony. Over the years, people from Europe, Africa, and the West Indies made North Carolina their home.
Colonial North Carolina focuses on the time period from about 1700 to 1776. The activities center around four groups: landowners, slaves, Moravians, and the Cherokee. You will find information in the background material about many other populations that played a part in the building of North Carolina. Encourage your students to read and research these groups as well as the ones highlighted. The lesson plans were developed by an elementary teacher with experience in social studies education. Use all or some of these activities to help your students understand life during the colonial period.
North Carolina and the Civil
War (8th grade – up)
The Civil War is a complex and controversial subject in American history. It brings back a time when the United States went against its name and was divided. It recalls painful memories of slavery and oppression. It reminds us of the thousands of lives lost in battle. However disturbing, the Civil War offers important lessons -- about racial equality, war, politics, and other issues -- that are relevant today. This kit is designed to explain some of these issues to your students in a way that involves them with hands-on activities and lessons that are still relevant today.
Contents of the North Carolina and the Civil War kit include: Replica of soldier’s haversack containing tin cup, tin plate, fork, candle, pencil, letter written by “Mother” on a scrap of wallpaper, Confederate bills, and two pieces of hardtack Replica Civil War–era apron containing corn husks, candle, pencil, 1860s replica wallpaper, and fabric scrap Video of an actor portraying Thomas Devereax, an actual Civil War soldier from North Carolina, reading a letter to his father Laminated photographs and information sheets.
This notebook contains five activities for fourth-grade students and five for eighth-grade students. The activities are complementary but may also stand alone, should you choose not to use them all in your classroom. The background material in the first section of the notebook relates to each activity; it too may be read all together or you may choose to study only the sections pertaining to the activities you have chosen to present to your class. This material is keyed for easy reference.
Colonial North
Carolina (4th grade – up)