The Life Of A Child In

Colonial Times

By Dana Schunter and

Nikia McFadden

Mr and Mrs Filler along with their daughter Carly explained what life was like in Colonial times to fifth graders at Middle Gate School as part of the students’ study of colonization. Here is a summary of daily activities in the life of a young girl from the time period:

On weekdays, the girl woke up early and got dressed. Then she did her chores. Her chores consisted of sweeping the floors and emptying the chamber pots. Then she needed to be downstairs to help her mother with breakfast. After that, she went to Dame School with a tin lunch box. She had to walk to school. Sometimes school was miles away. At school, she learned how to read, write, and some arithmetic. She also learned her manners.

School’s out!!! The girl walked home from school with her silver tin lunchbox. She had more chores to do after arriving home. Sometimes she dusted, and then she washed up before helping her mother with dinner. After dinner, the family read or played quietly indoors. Then it was off to bed!!!

On Saturday, she woke up early again because it was chore day. She got dressed and swept the floors. She also emptied the chamber pots. She then helped her mother with breakfast, consisting of bread and jam. Then she helped her mother churn the butter, which can take up to two hours to do. She may also have helped her mother once in a while make candles. They took the wicks and dipped them in the wax then hung them to dry in high places so rats and mice would not get to them. She helped her mom clean the house. They scrubbed the floors and did the laundry and hung it out to dry.

On Sunday, the girl woke up early. But she could not do any chores. Sunday was the day to attend church, which lasted most of the day. The family walked there. Later on, the family took off on the long journey home. Upon arriving home, it was time to go to bed.

Thanks to the Fillers, the fifth graders have a better understanding of what the Colonial Times were like. Thank you very much for coming to our school!