Boys vs. Girls

While it was true that the Dame Schools were offered to both boys and girls, the curriculum was a little different for each. Girls were mostly taught sewing and cooking along with their basic skills. Boys were mainly taught the basic skills in order to prepare them for the town schools. Girls continued their education within the home by learning household chores and managing the home. This was because all but a few town schools banned girls from attending. However, toward the end of the 18th Century girls were allowed a better form of education, although it was still separate from boys.


Image from www.hampton.lib.nh.us

Textbook... Try Hornbook

Obiviously, there wasn't much in the way of textbooks in the colonial era. So, what did "dames" use? A hornbook, of course. These were lessons printed on a wooden paddle. The usually had a piece of transparent horn over them to protect the words; thus, the reason for their name. They usually consisted of the alphabet, numbers 0-9, the Lord's Prayer, and the Trinity. It taught only the basic skills. Imagine, could you handle this being your only source of educational reference?



Image from Wikimedia Commons

So That's What it Looked Like!

Just a few pics that show what a Dame School may look like. Thanks to Study Zone and Christies.

Curriculum Anyone?

So, what did children learn during this time? Mostly children learned their alphabet, vowel and consonant sounds, counting, a few sentences from the Bible, and prayers. However, young girls were often taught cooking and sewing as well. This is because they were not expected to join any sort of work force, which was escpecially true in the Southern Colonies. Obiviously, religion was a big aspect of education during Puritan times, especially in the New England Colonies. However, it should be noted that the "dames" who taught the students were somewhat illiterate themselves. Dames only taught the students what they knew.

Informative Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZq2ou4XWqU

Check out this awesome link I found from the Pheonix Learning Group, Inc. Sure it looks a little old, but its informative and that's what counts.

What is a Dame School?

Hey everyone! Welcome to the blog. In case you didn't know this blog is committed to discussing the colonial times. Primarily Dame Schools! Now, when I first saw Dame School, I thought Notre Dame. What does the Fighting Irish have to do with the history of education? I'll tell you... absolutely nothing! Lol So, check this out Dame Schools were a form of education in colonial times. It basically included a woman teaching children in her own home. She did all this while she went about her daily household chores. Weird huh? I agree. That means this requires more research. Check out the rest of the blog to see videos and more updates!