At three stations children interact with a trained docent portraying a member of the Caldwell household circa 1840. This provides an opportunity for students to participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners (SL.3.1, SL.4.1, and SL.5.1), including diversity of race and point of view. As children listen to Miss Frew’s lesson, for example, they will identify a pattern in her instruction that treats boys and girls differently. Miss Frew will then step out of character and discuss this, talking about different beliefs in different eras and how these impacted people. As students engage with three different and diverse members of the plantation household they will have an opportunity to participate in a range of conversations and explain their own ideas.

Life on the Plantation directly connects to local, North Carolina, and U. S. history. The program specifically focuses on how citizens participate in their communities(3.C&G.2, 5.C.1), the impact various cultural groups have played in our community (4.C.1), and how human activity has shaped the U. S. (5.G.1). A secondary connection to healthful living and science occurs at the station for Dr. Caldwell’s medical practice. Students learn about wellness and disease prevention with an emphasis on cleanliness. (3.PCH.1 & 2)