The children of the colonial times were only taught included reading, writing, simple math, poems, and prayers and this really only included children from the upper-class. Children from the poorer community did not receive any kind of literacy or religious education. Instead they learned through apprenticeships that lasted anywhere between 3-10 years. Boys and girls also had a different education. Boys were taught by a male tutor in higher math, Greek, Latin, science, celestial navigation (navigating ships by the stars), geography, history, fencing, social etiquette, and plantation management. While the girls learned enough reading, writing, and arithmetic to read their Bibles and be able to record household expenses. They were taught through three main books: the bible, a primer, and a hornbook. Most of there lessons they had to memorized because of the lack of paper and textbook. I was saddened while reading this. I knew this was how children were educated in the 17th century, but it still makes me sad. The MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATION LAWS OF 1642 AND 1647 and Old Deluder Satan Law helped advance education by requiring towns with fifty or more families to hire a man to teach reading. And a town of a hundred families must have a grammar schoolmaster who could prepare children to attend Harvard College.
Comments (2)
Interesting fact that the first “brick” paving the way towards our current compulsory education was laid in 1642 with the Massachusetts Education Law – and it laid the responsibility for a child’s education with the parents or the masters of apprenticed children! It did not directly reference schools at all, but, rather, put forth the idea that children should be educated enough to understand and abide by the laws. If children received enough education to function in their “station in life” that was all anyone needed. In some ways that seemed practical for the time, but it did perpetuate class and racial differences, particularly in the South.
I do think that parents need to assume more responsibility for their child’s education even now. I think that often parents leave too much to the schools and do not take sufficient responsibility for the crucial role they play.
Posted by Marlee Wright | September 30, 2010 10:55 PM
Posted on September 30, 2010 22:55
It's crazy to think that that is how children were taught during colonial times. Only the wealthy children were given a higher education. Even so, I learned that Abigail Adams, even though from a more affluent family, had a mother who was illiterate.
Posted by Amanda Burcham | October 5, 2010 2:35 PM
Posted on October 5, 2010 14:35