American childhood through the years : Colonial Era, 18th century through early 19th century, and Progressive Era
Graduation Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Social Science, Emphasis, Teaching American History, 2006
Committee Chair Name
Delores Nason McBroome
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
19th Century, American childhood, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Teaching American History, 18th Century, Colonial Era, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Social Science, Progressive Era
Abstract
This historiography examines the scholarly literature about American childhood over a period of 300 years. It will focus on three distinct eras in American history: the Colonial Era, the 18th and early 19th centuries, and the Progressive Era. Each era will highlight historians' viewpoints on the concept of childhood, relationship of children to their community, discipline and childrearing, children's work and play clothing, health, and education. The historiography also addresses the following questions: How did society view children in each era? Have children in the past been well cared for and have they experienced an easy life? Have they been protected from the pressures and demands of society? Have families been stable and able to provide emotional support? How have the details of children's daily lives changed over time? Has education been a priority and if not why? The final portion contains a teaching unit that translates the scholarly information from the historiography into teachable lessons for elementary students. The challenge is to make history accessible to young students by presenting tantalizing lessons that are engaging and age appropriate. Teaching children of today about children of the past is the perfect vehicle because it helps them recognize those commonalities between their own lives and lives in the past. It helps them to begin to understand that we all have stories and a place in time.
Recommended Citation
Moore, Barbara E., "American childhood through the years : Colonial Era, 18th century through early 19th century, and Progressive Era" (2006). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1765.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1765
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/b5644t80f