Instructions

After reading the Memoir, Basic Comforts, choose the Print command on your toolbar to print out this guide to record your responses and reflections about the topic.

Part A: The following Web-based activities will help you recall some of the information contained in the memoir you just read. To access an activity, click on the corresponding hyperlink.

1. Matching: a relevant details exercise.

2. Ordered List: a sequencing exercise.

Part B: The following questions ask you to identify and explain information contained in the memoir you just read.

1. Identify the years the Author’s family first received electricity and indoor plumbing

Electricity:

Indoor Plumbing:

2. Using the following student scholar Web site, briefly explain the New Deal program that brought electricity to the Author’s family. Click on the link below to access the Web site.

Building America: FDR's New Deal

Program:

Description:

3. How did the family heat water before electricity? How did they get their water?

Electricity:

Water:

4. Identify and then describe what the family used for light before electricity?

5. Identify and then describe the first electric appliance the Author’s family owned.

6. Define and describe a “slop jar.” (Use only school-appropriate language!)

Part C: After responding to these questions, be prepared to share your ideas in small groups or with the whole class. After reading the section on taking baths, reflect on the following:

1) Compare the procedures for taking a bath on the farm during the Depression with your own experience today.

The Author’s bath:

Your bath:

2) Imagine your family did not have electricity to run a refrigerator. Where do you think your family would store ice blocks? What items of food would have priority for keeping cold? What food might you have to do without? What other means of storage might you use in place of refrigeration?

3) Imagine your home without electricity or indoor plumbing; think about your home with only wood stoves for heating and for cooking. How might your life change? What activities might you have to give up or change? What amount of time during your day might you spend on helping your family provide these basic comforts?

Instructions

After reading the Memoir, Basic Comforts, choose the Print command on your toolbar to print out this guide to record your responses and reflections about the topic.

Back to the Comforts Memoir