The Pilgrims were good people who decided to come here because they were very religious and did not like the Church of England. They brought their families and some priests with them. They were looking for a place where they could worship God in their own way.
They went first to Holland, another country in the north of Europe. But they did not like that the people there were carefree and the children played, sang, and laughed too much. They were very strict; they did not want other people living next to them, and they did not allow their children to laugh and play on Sunday. They had heard of the settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and they thought that they could live in the wilderness, too. These people had a lot of courage and hope that in America they could be free.
They tried on several occasions to land in America, but they were forced to go back to England looking for food and other supplies, and their ships were in bad condition. Finally in September of the year 1620, they sailed in the only ship that was in good shape, named the
Mayflower.
This was a small ship, able to carry only 102 pilgrims, including 22 children.
The Pilgrims wanted to go to Virginia, but there was a heavy storm on the ocean, and the wind took them to New England, to a place called Plymouth. (The teacher will show this place on the map, and identify Connecticut, emphasizing that this is the land where we live now.)
The Pilgrims began to work very hard in groups to build their houses. Many of them had to live on board of the ship for many weeks.
On Christmas, December 25, the Pilgrims were working very hard all day cutting planks with their axes. There were no presents, good foods, or celebrations. The children had plain food and had to say a lot of prayers.
When the houses were finished, the Pilgrims moved from the ship. They also constructed a fort with cannons. A group of them served as soldiers to defend themselves from outsiders. A Captain Miles Standish was the leader of the group.
The first winter was very difficult for the Pilgrims; many of them got sick and died. At the end of the long winter, only half of the colony was alive. When Spring came, the remaining Pilgrims were in good health, and they were working very happily.
One day, a tall and friendly Indian came and said hello to them. Oh! the Pilgrims had Indians as neighbors!
Questions for Discussion:
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1.
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What was the name of the white people who came to New England?
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2.
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What was the name of the ship that brought them here?
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3.
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Were the Pilgrims a happy people? Why not?
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4.
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In which season of the year did the Pilgrims come to New England?
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5.
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Discuss the difficulties encountered.
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