Suggested Teacher Resources
Below is a list of suggested teacher resources. Please feel free to utilize these offerings in your classroom to help enhance the learning experience. Whether used as stand-alone activities or in conjunction with a Museum visit, this information is sure to leave a lasting impression! While many of these offerings are for Fairfield Public Schools, they’re free and easy to use for all districts.
Third Grade – Fairfield Public Schools
List of Suggested Pre and Post Activities
Pre-Visit Activities
In addition to the social studies curriculum Assured Experiences, have students come up with 5 – 10 questions to “Ask an Expert” at the Fairfield Museum
Post-Visit Activities
1. Review the Scavenger Hunt and Further Discussion:
- What did the students enjoy the most?
- What was the least interesting?
- What information may have been missing?
- What do they want to find out more about?
2. Read Aloud the Letter to Minnie from Captain Isaac Jennings.
Fifth Grade – Fairfield Public Schools
Pre- and Post-Visit Lesson Plans / Activities
Pre-Activities
Have the students read, and familiarize themselves with:
- Burning of Fairfield: Handout with Story, Map & Primary Source Activity
- “Burning of Fairfield Drama – Reader’s Theatre”
At the Fairfield Museum, the students will act out the Burning of Fairfield story in groups. The Reader’s Theatre will take place inside the Sun Tavern.
IF YOU HAVE 4 CLASSES: please have all of the students read through all sections. Classes will be divided into three groups at the Fairfield Museum for the 3-part rotation.
- The teacher should put the students into 4 groups.
- Print copies of the Reader’s Theatre, but only give the groups THEIR SECTION. They will not know how the rest of the story will happen.
- Have the groups assign characters (some students will play more than one).
- Students should have time to practice their sections before the field trip.
“Two Fairfield Families” Handouts
- Divide students into two groups.
- Half will read about the Silliman family and half will read about the Burr family.
- Students report back to the class (either individually or in groups) about the article: What did they learn? What more do they want to find out?
- Optional: have the students complete the questions at the end of the articles (either individually or in groups)
- Reference Material:
Additional Resources for Teachers
Colonial Life & The 1750 Ogden House
An activity about colonial life that utilizes The Ogden House Gazette for students to read and answer questions. Download the Gazette here >>
The Battle of Ridgefield
Find out more about the important battle between British and Loyalist forces on April 27, 1777. Includes a hand-out for students to read, primary sources to analyze, and connections between the battle and Fairfield residents.
The Culper Spy Ring
Teacher information, map, a bio on Caleb Brewster (buried in the Old Burying Ground), and additional online links. Non-fiction text may also be used for student reading.
The French, Connecticut and the American Revolution
Teacher information on the connections between the French and the Patriots. Includes information on Benjamin Franklin, relationships with France, Rochambeau and the French troops movement through Connecticut, and how the Culper Spy Ring helped the French troops get to Yorktown. Non-fiction text may also be used for student reading.