Teacher Resources for A Home in the Wilderness

A Home in the Wilderness is based on the true story

of how a twelve-year-old Etienne and his family try to survive in the 1663 untamed wilderness of Manhattan. They face conflicts with the Esopus tribe, divided loyalties, and danger to family and Lenape friends.

Since the dawn of time, tribal and community elders, religious leaders, philosophers, parents, and teachers have been instructing the next generation through stories. Stories help us to identify more with the content and see its value. Stories make learning fun. Anyone who has ever worked with children and youth knows this to be true.

"Story is what makes us human ... Recent break-throughs in neuroscience reveal that our brain is hardwired to respond to story ... we're wired to turn to story to teach us the way of the world." - Lisa Cron, Wired for Story

The Teacher Resources for A Home in the Wilderness explores the complex relationships between various Native American tribes and Dutch, English, and French settlers during the early colonial period. Developed by author and long-time social studies teacher, Amanda M. Cetas, in partnership with writer, story consultant, and former English teacher, Adriana R. King, this invaluable resource provides ready-made lessons tied to National Standards to develop critical thinking skills essential for preparing students for college and future careers.

Students will learn to evaluate primary and secondary source texts, examine an event or circumstance from various perspectives, determine point-of-view, develop habits of the mind, and critical thinking skills through engaging activities, projects, and simulations. Additional ideas for teachers and grading rubrics are also included.