Chains Literature Unit Study

The latest in a long list of home school resources is this Chains Literature Unit. This novel, Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, set during the American Revolution in New York will not only give you a different perspective of the war, but also give you an insight into slavery during this time as well.

Through this unit you will dive into History, Geography, Science, Math, Literature, Writing, and a few projects as well.

Chains Literature Unit

Literature:

 

• Similes and Metaphors
• Dates
• Punctuation (ellipses, em dash)
• Point of View and Perspective
• Analyzing Characters
• Symbolism

History:

 

• American Revolution Timeline. Create a timeline that encompasses the major events and battles during the American Revolution.

 

• Create a lapbook, PowerPoint, or suitcase (for more info check here) defining and describing the following terms/events/concepts:
  • Loyalists versus Rebels
  • New York Fire 1776
  • Thomas Hickey
  • Mayor David Matthews
  • The Queen’s birthday ball
  • Tea Water Pump
  • Battle of Fort Washington
  • Battle of Long Island
  • King George’s statue

 

• Research the different types of slaves/servants mentioned in the novel. Compare and contrast how they were treated and their freedoms (if they had any).

 

• Make a clay replica of New York as described in the book. Use maps to help.

 

• Chart the path from parliament in England to Long Island, New York.

 

• Draw a map of and learn about the thirteen colonies.

 

• Discuss and look at Primary vs. Secondary Sources. There are quite a few mentioned in the quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

Math:

 

• Research and decide how long it would have taken Isabel to row from Long Island to  the closest point in New Jersey.

 

• Research the population of New York in 1776. Then, find the percentage of slaves.

 

• We know that the Locktons had money. Look into the cost of living in New York in 1776. Create a budget for them to live off (food, firewood, clothing, etc.)

Science/STEM:

 

• Create your own quill pen.

 

• Think about the different examples of medicine used in the book. What were common medicinal practices back then. What would be different today?

Projects:

 

• Create your own colony, using any type of material you wish (clay, bread, plastic, cardboard). Name your colony. Describe what it’s like an who lives there. What do they believe in?

Writing:

 

• Write the first chapter of the sequel (before you read it). Where did Curzon and Isabel end up? What happens to them?

 

Cooking:

 

• Look up recipes that are mentioned in the book and try them out. For example, rice pudding, turtle soup, and kidney pie.

 

Unique hashtag: ChainsLLLG

Pinterest Board: Chains Literature Unit

 

I hope you enjoy this unit and this amazing book by Laurie Halse Anderson. Please let me know what other fun and educational activities you come up with as you read through this novel. Also, check back soon for a Literature Unit on Nory Ryan’s Song by Patricia Griff. And just in cased you missed them check out The Lightning Thief, The War that Saved My Life, and When Hitler Stole My Pink Rabbit Literature Units.