TeacherView by Heidi Weber
Grade taught: Other
Madeira City Schools
Goshen, Ohio USA

The Review
This is a well-renowned historical fiction novel. Kit Tyler was raised in Barbados by her wealthy grandfather. When he dies, she travels to the Puritan colony of Connecticut to live with her Aunt, Uncle, and two female cousins. Immediately it is obvious that Kit's world was quite different. As Kit struggles to fit in, she befriends an old Quaker woman who is believed to be a witch. As a result of her friendship, Kit too is accused of witchcraft. She is put on trial, but is found innocent.

The Activities

• Puritan Characters
  One of the main ideas in this story is Kit's conflict in values with her Uncle over clothing. Kit was accustomed to the fancy dresses she wore in Barbados. Puritans had strict dress codes that Kit had to adjust to. To help students understand more about 17th century America:
  1. Make flat characters (paper dolls, but for the male students the name needs to be more neutral).

  2. Take photographs of each student standing with their legs slightly apart, and their arms out to their sides. Enlarge the photographs at a color copying establishment, cut out and laminate.

  3. Research clothing worn by the Puritans in the late 1600's. The Internet and the library have a multitude of information, so students can build research skills this way. Have each student make an outfit for their characters. Attach velcro to the characters and clothing so it is easily removed. Students can discuss how they would feel wearing this kind of clothing.

• Candle Making
  Kit learned that the community had to make most everything they needed. Since there was no electricity in the 1600's, people had to rely on sunlight or candle light. Making candles was not an easy process. To help students gain an appreciation for this, make candles (either by demonstrating or having the students make them under careful supervision):
  1. Gather paraffin, candle wick (or string, which may not work for actual burning, but will do to illustrate the idea), a metal can, a pan, and a rod or stick for drying the candles.

  2. Put the paraffin into the metal can (cut small for quicker melting), and put the can into hot water. (Melting the wax in the microwave is dangerous, because paraffin is flammable if gotten too hot.)

  3. When the wax has melted, fold the string and dip each end alternately. Hold the string out of the wax and allow it to harden. Continue dipping until desired size is obtained. This can be a very long process, and will spark an interesting discussion.

• Mock Trials
  The climax of the novel is Kit's witchcraft trial. To help students gain a better understanding of our judicial system, put together mock trials.
  1. Divide the class into small groups and assign each a scenario. Groups can write a skit to perform, or to incorportate art, they can make "Court TV."

  2. To make a screen, take a box and cut a square out of the bottom. Use two sticks, rods, or paper towel roles inserted in the sides of the box to attach a scroll to (one near the top of the box and one near the bottom.) The groups can write out their trial, with illustrations on the scroll and when they are finished, attach each end of the scroll to each of the rods so that they can roll the paper to make it move across the "TV" screen.

  3. To extend this activity, invite a lawyer into the classroom for discussion. Another variation of this activity would be to have the students re-enact the trial scene from the novel.