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The Westward Movement: Would I Move From Vermont?

by Cynthia L. Sheehan, 3rd and 4th Grade teacher
Wardsboro Elementary School


Should We Move? A Family Dilemma
Part 1

Imagine that you are part of a Vermont family in the 1860 or 1870s. You are considering moving west but have not decided. Would you encourage your family to move or stay in Vermont? What are the pros and cons of a move? What are the pros and cons of staying in Vermont? Think about this issue and write down your ideas on this paper. Circle maps might help you organize your ideas. You may talk to your classmates and look at anything in your orange folder or in the classroom to help you make your notes.


Should We Move? A Family Dilemma
Part 2

Now that you know what you think, look at the following characters in the local Wardsboro Jones family. Decide which characters most closely match your point of view. Also, decide how much acting you feel comfortable doing. Then pick your top three choices for roles in our play. Write them down and I will do my best to cast you in one of your top roles.

Cast of Characters
Grandpa Jones—He does not want the family to move. He thinks it would be dangerous and foolish. He also thinks he is too old to move and will stay in Wardsboro no matter what the family decides. This will be a large part.

Father—He thinks the family should definitely move out west. He does not think he can keep supporting his large family with his small overworked farm especially now that the “sheep fever” is coming to a close. This is a large role.

Mother—She has not made up her mind completely but is leaning more to staying in Vermont. She already works hard and can’t imagine how difficult it would be to keep a family together on the travels West and then to start all over again in a new place. She would miss her neighbors here in Wardsboro. However, she also knows it is very hard to keep her family going here and is not sure how they will continue to support themselves in Wardsboro. This is a large part.

Uncle Edward—Uncle Edward is convinced the family should move out west. He has friends who have already traveled out west and he has received many letters from them telling of great adventures and lots of chances to find your fortune. He has no children of his own and will migrate to the west no matter what the rest of the family decides. This is a medium role.

Billy— He is the 17 year old son. He is very excited about moving to west. He wants everyone to go and is even planning on sneaking off with Uncle Edward if the family decides to stay. He wants to get rich! He is a loud and excited person but respects his parents very much and won’t be contrary. This is a large role.

Elizabeth—She is a 14 year old daughter. She is excited about moving west because she is an independent girl and is worried that if the family stays in Vermont she will have to get married very soon. If the family migrates she will have more time to stay with them and have adventures on the trail. She is curious about other parts of the world and different opportunities. This is a medium role.

Kate—She is a 10 year old daughter. She wants to stay in Vermont no matter what. She loves her farm, her family and her school. She has lots of friends and does not want to leave. She is afraid of the dangers of traveling and knows it will be hard work taking care of all her little brothers and sisters on the trail. She is stubborn but timid. This is a medium role.

Eric—He is an 8 year old son who wants to migrate. He is very excited about doing something different and getting out of school. This is a small role.

Ryan—He is a 6 year old son who wants to stay home. He doesn’t really understand why the family would move and just want things to stay the same. This is a small part.

Emily—She is a four year old daughter who wants to move. Her big brother Billy is her best friend and she wants to do whatever he does. This is a small part


My top three choices are:

1. ___________________________
2. ___________________________
3.___________________________


Should We Move?
A Family Dilemma
Part 3

Now is the time for planning your role. Get together with the others in your family who feel the same way as you do. Talk about your arguments and decide who will say what. It is important to take notes. You will have note cards with your ideas on to help you during the performance. Mrs. Sebastian or I will be available to help your group. You can practice together and plan for the big family meeting!!!! At the meeting everyone in the family will get together and present their ideas. The family will have to find a way to decide what they will do together.



Name: ______________ Date: _________