PLACE MATTERS:
MATTAPOISETT
AND THE WRITINGS OF
THE ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
HOW IS THE NATURAL SETTING OF MATTAPOISETT IN THE MID-NINETEENTH
CENTURY REFLECTED IN
Web sites for student use:
·
Elizabeth Barstow Stoddard – http://www.csustan.edu/english/reuben/pal/chap3/stoddard.html
·
Official town site – http://www.mattapoisett.net
·
Historical Society – http://www.mattapoisett.net/CLUBS/historicalsoc.htm
·
Photos – http://csc.gatech.edu/~yank/photo/mattapoisett.html
SOURCES:
·
Stoddard, Elizabeth. The
Morgesons.
·
Mattapoisett and Old
·
Wood, Edward F.R. Old
Mattapoisett: A Summer Portrait, Quadequina Publishers, Mattapoisett, 1995.
Activities:
·
Reading from selections of Elizabeth Barstow Stoddard’s writings –
journals, journalism articles, excerpts from the novel
·
Field trip – walking tour of the village and harbor
·
Visit to the Mattapoisett Historical Society with curator Betty
Roberts
·
Journal writing – series of journals on surroundings in
Mattapoisett
·
(optional) photographs of sites in the village and of natural
surroundings in Mattapoisett
Assessments:
·
Analysis of 5
writings – journal entries and journalism pieces - according to rubric
·
Series of student
journals – at least 5 entries – according to rubric
·
Individual
Project – from list of choices
·
Oral presentation
of project
Project Choices:
1.
Mattapoisett
brochure – then (mid 1800’s) or now (with photos)
2.
Menu featuring
local foods
3.
Two correspondent
articles on place
4.
Short story set
with details of place in Mattapoisett
5.
Mid-nineteenth
century home model with quotes from E.B.S.’s writing
STUDENT OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will understand the time and place of Elizabeth Barstow
Stoddard’s writing.
2. Students will experience how place and time influence personal
writing.
3. Students will become aware of the similarities and differences in
regard to present day and mid-19th century Mattapoisett.
4. Students will become more skilled in word choice and sensory appeal
in their journal writing.
5. Students will become more skilled in the oral presentation of
creative projects.
ELA Frameworks Learning
Standards included in unit:
Language- Students will…
2. pose questions, listen to
ideas, etc.
3. make oral presentations -
appropriate consideration of audience, purpose, etc.
Literature- Students will…
8. decode accurately and
understand new words encountered in reading
10. identify, analyze, and
apply knowledge of the characteristics of different genres
15. identify and analyze how
an author’s choice of words appeals to the senses, creates imagery, suggests
mood, and sets tone
Composition- Students will…
20. select and use
appropriate genres, modes of reasoning, etc., when writing
22. use standard English
conventions to edit their writing
Media- Students will…
26. obtain information by
using a variety of appropriate media, etc.
28. design and create
coherent media productions, etc.