Woven History Series: The Pilgrims & The Wampanoag
Step into the past with Cottage Schoolhouse’s Woven History & Geography Series: A Tapestry of Stories. Designed especially for older elementary learners, this guide brings history and geography to life through engaging lessons filled with meaningful connections, creative projects, and hands-on exploration.
The Pilgrims & The Wampanoag
In this guide we follow the journey of the Pilgrims from England to the shores of Cape Cod, explore the rich culture and lands of the Wampanoag people, and discover how these two groups came together. Learn about daily life in Plymouth Colony, the challenges of the first winter, and the celebration that became known as the first Thanksgiving.
The lessons are organized into the following key categories:
• Geography: We begin each lesson with a focus on geography by exploring maps, landforms, navigation and exploration. Students will engage in hands-on mapwork to better understand the physical world, setting the stage for deeper learning. Additionally, we will incorporate the artwork to enrich our study of geographic tools.
• Living Literature: Throughout the journey, students will engage with a blend of compelling nonfiction and high-quality storytelling. The carefully curated book selection is engaging, well-written narratives that spark curiosity and imagination.
• Explore and Connect: This journey is full of hands-on adventures that make learning come alive. From nature study, to creative STEM projects, and science experiments, each activity is designed to spark curiosity, ignite wonder, and help your child connect deeply with history and geography.
• Create: Encourage creativity with integrated art, crafts, creative writing, cooking, and imaginative play. These activities are designed to deepen understanding and make learning fun and memorable.
Lessons Included:
1. 17th-Century England - Discover what life was like in early 1600s England.2. Setting Sail - Learn why the Separatists chose to leave their homeland and begin a new journey.
3. Life at Sea - Step aboard the Mayflower and experience the daily life of its passengers.
4. The Mayflower Compact - Explore how the Pilgrims worked together to form a new agreement for governing their colony.
5. The Place of Falling Water - Travel to the lands of the Wampanoag people and discover the world they called home.
6. The Wampanoag - Meet the Wampanoag and learn about their traditions, skills, and ways of life.
7. The Landing at Plymouth - Follow the Pilgrims as they arrive in the New World and begin to settle in.
8. Surviving the First Winter - Learn about the climate of Cape Cod, the hardships of the first winter, and the shelters the Pilgrims built.
9. Squanto’s Friendship - Journey alongside Squanto and discover how he helped the Pilgrims survive and thrive.
10. The First Thanksgiving - Celebrate the harvest and explore daily life in Plymouth Colony, leading to the first Thanksgiving.
Scheduling:This guide includes ten engaging lessons. A suggested daily plan and easy-to-follow overview are provided, but the flexible structure allows you to move at your own pace. Some lessons may span two days depending on depth. You might spend 2-5 weeks with this guide based on your preferred rhythm.
What You’ll Receive:
• Woven History Series Pilgrim and Wampanoag Guide PDF - The Guide is over 60 pages and includes thoughtfully laid out lessons, supply lists, art, and resources.• Printables PDF - Printable pages that correspond with lessons are available in a digital pdf document. Before printing, consider the intended use of the printable page. Most pages are best printed on cardstock, while some resources can be laminated for repeated use.
⚠️ Important
• This is a printable PDF. NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE MAILED TO YOU.
• PERSONAL USE ONLY - You may use this resources in your home or your classroom but please do not redistribute digital or printed files. This product should not be resold or redistributed in any way.
A Note from Kessler at The Cottage Schoolhouse:
Thank you for exploring history with us. My hope is that this guide brings beauty, joy, and meaningful connection to your homeschool days, and helps your children fall in love with the stories of the past.
Woven History Series
Each guide in this series weaves together storytelling, geography, art, literature, and hands-on activities to help your child deeply connect with the people, cultures, and events of the past. It’s a gentle, immersive approach that nurtures curiosity and wonder, while also developing important academic skills.
Suggested Ages
The Woven Series is thoughtfully designed for elementary learners, ideal for 3rd–6th grade. Lessons, books, and activities are tailored to support this age range with depth and creativity.
Books Needed
Throughout the journey, students will engage with a blend of compelling nonfiction and high-quality storytelling. The carefully curated book selection is engaging, well-written narratives that spark curiosity and imagination. The book list is small but very important to the guide.
To complete the guide you will need:
• DK The Mayflower by Libby Romero
• People of the Breaking Day by Marcia Sewall
• Squanto’s Journey by Joseph Bruchac
• A book about The First Thanksgiving (your choice)
A list of additional titles you might enjoy is included with the guide.Supplies Needed
Keeping supplies simple and affordable was an important part of creating this guide. You will find that most supplies listed are general art supplies and things that you might already have around your home. Everything else can usually be found at a dollar store or grocery store. Many supplies are repeated throughout the guide.
This is a Digital Product
⚠️ Important
• This is a printable PDF. NO PHYSICAL PRODUCT WILL BE MAILED TO YOU.
• PERSONAL USE ONLY - You may use this resources in your home or your classroom but please do not redistribute digital or printed files. This product should not be resold or redistributed in any way.