What was it like to be a Pilgrim?

It has been exciting to learn about the Pilgrims. What was it like to be a Pilgrim girl or boy?
As we read about Sarah Morton, and Samuel Eaton, two Pilgrim children, we learned how difficult life was for families. We recited and acted out this poem, inserting new tasks the children had to do daily such as tend the fire, feed the chickens, milk the goats, reap the harvest, pound spices, etc.

Pilgrim children just like you,

had so many things to do

They served dinner, and helped out

without a whimper or a pout.

Then when all the work was done

Pilgrim children had time for fun.

They played marbles, shared secrets too.

Were tucked in bed, just like you.

 

 

 

We discovered first hand, a little about pilgrm life. We learned that the children had to stand and serve their parents at meal times. Many times there were not enough chairs for the family. They also were not allowed to speak unless spoken to. They draped their napkins over their shoulders and ate with spoons and knives...no forks! We had lunch and I was served by the children! I was the only one to sit....everyone stood for the entire lunch. We had real cloth napkins to put over our shoulders and at only with spoons and knives. Some of us were weary of standing but couldn't complain because they weren't allowed to speak unless I asked them a question!