Do you think it was wise for Kit to go to rescue Hannah? What would you have done if you were in kit's 'shoes'?

I definitely think Kit did the right thing because Hannah might have been killed if Kit didn't come to her rescue. I am not so sure that I am brave enough to have made the same choices as Kit, but I guess I would do anything to help the people I care most about!

In Chapter 12, Kit offered to help Nat 'thatch' the roof. How has she changed since the beginning of the book?

Kit has really proven herself to be less selfish. When first arriving in America, she seemed quite spoiled. I believe she may even be surprised be how much she cares for and wants to help others now!

Why did the schoolmaster dismiss Kit and send the children home? How do you feel about Mr. Kimberly's action?

Today our culture is much different than that during the 'Colonial Period.' I am so proud to work in a school where students can interact and play as they learn. This is very unlike what Kit was experiencing because she was not allowed to teach the children in a way that was considered 'play' or the 'devil's work.' At the time, I guess Mr. Kimberly took the most appropriate action that he though would be accepted by the colonists.

How does Judith show her jealousy of Kit?

Judith seemed to let Kit know that she 'wasn't pretty'. William would be impressed by the dress Kit was wearing, though. This makes me think that Judith really thought Kit looked nice in the dress, but did not want Kit to know it because maybe Judith secretly liked William?!?

Colonial life differs from our lives today. What are some of these differences in relation to chores, jobs, schooling, games, etc.?

After reading the picture book,Sarah Morton's Day, my class discovered that life for the colonial children was very difficult. Not only did it take them awhile to dress in the many layers of clothing they wore daily, but they also had to wake at the break of dawn to do chores. Play was not acceptable in the earliest days of the colonial period. We are fortunate to have schooling that allows us to interact and think critically about our learning. The colonial children were expected to memorize and recite lengthy verses from their bibles. Working in the fields, cooking, and cleaning were also expected to be done by the children, as well as the adults. I have tried to make self connections with Sarah Morton and Kit, yet find it challenging because we live in a world today that allows us to make choices about how we spend our time, and the work we complete is meaningful to our lives.

Why do you think Kit was disappointed with her first view of America?

I was trying to imagine how it might have been to grow up around the beautiful blue sea and colorful landscape, and then have your 'new life' begin in a place that seemed so bleak and dull. The homes looked much like boxes sitting beside one another. I bet Kit was sad having to leave her old memories of her grandfather behind and get to know the relatives that have always been distant.