This activity took some time but also helped me to get the full amount of info that I could out of the text. I enjoyed being able to discover out about all the pirate adventure Jake encounter along with the reality of a pirates life.
Pirate DED Section I
“What’s the difference?” (6) Pirates and privateers same thing besides privateers share booty with government. Pirates smarter able to keep all loot.
“cat o’ nine tails” (6) Horrifying torturing devise. Degrading to the humanity of an individual.
“illegally imported slaves” (22) Slaves were even a part of a pirates life.
Section II
“Pirates like this couldn’t be successful” (2) As a child we are taught a stereotype of how a pirate should look not the reality of how they did look.
“men with special skills had special names” (16) A pirate ship was almost like a small town with the variety of skills on-board.
Section III
“They were clever planners too” (22) This was interesting to me I always figured the life of a pirate not to be a choice but something that a failure would do.
“They worked hard” (14) Pirates were not lazy they worked hard and worked together. Very strong work ethic something we should strive to have.
DED Jake Section I
“The Sally Anne her mast head is gone” (10) The name of the ship is a very southern name. Two names. Seems to be an old ship and run down since the head is gone.
“To my surprise, he asked no questions…” (11) Seems that the ship is desperate for workers and will take anyone no questions asked. Could mean for lots of work for Jake and his uncle Will.
“I ceased to be just the son of a doctor and became a sailor” (11) Thought he was not a good enough citizen wanted to prove to his father that he could make it on his own.
Section II
“You will soon be overboard doing that.” (25) Everyone seemed to watch out for Jake and wanted to somewhat protect him as if he was their own son.
“Stop! Spare the lad, Dan for God’s sake” (26) Jake is being spared for something he did and his uncle is taking the fall. Could mean Jake get punished later for being so weak.
…”out rushed a swarm of the fiercest men I have ever seen.” (36) They were being attacked by a pirate ship possibly Blackbeard and his crew.
Section III
“I had never fired a pistol before.” (65) Jake is going to be the hero of the day and help get to booty they had went for.
…”more than my father had ever had in his life.” Jake was seemingly doing well. A doctor is a prestigious occupation and a pirate is looked down upon. But Jake was doing far better income wise.
…”another of the sea’s mysteries” (70) Never before had Jake heard of the creatures he was encountering in the sea.
The pirate attack led to a positive thing for the crew. They were able to pick their captain and able to make more decisions. They were mot tormented for no reason. They were able to maroon their previous captain and first mate. They also were paid and received a fair share of the earnings from the raids in which they participated.
The oath of Loyalty gave the pirates a chance to get out while they were ahead and make a life for themselves that was honest. it also allowed them to keep their treasure for future use and start a new life of their choice without punishment.
This activity would be critical in a classroom to help students that are having trouble understanding the text. I have decided to use this activity within my unit and with the book Number the Stars.
