The Forbidden Schoolhouse

The Forbidden Schoolhouse by Suzanne Jurmain

Copyright 2005

Published by Houghton Mifflin

Lexile Level: 920L

Grade Level: 2005

         The Forbidden Schoolhouse takes place in Canterbury, CT.  It is the story of Prudence Crandall  and the difficulties she had when trying to open a schoolhouse for young girls, but turned it into a school for African American girls.  The photos and storyline are sure to draw in your young readers, especially the history buffs.  This is a great read aloud and if you live in CT, your students should experience this book!

Teachers, here are some activities and resources for this book:

Key Vocabulary:

• prosecution, Canterbury, CT, Civil War, abolitionist, Quakers, telegram, Nat Turner, American Colonization Society, authorities, petition, prejudice, William Lloyd Garrison, Booker T. Washington

During Reading Activity:

• This is a great historical book.  Have students keep a timeline of Prudence Crandall's life throughout the book in order to comprehend the sequence of events in the story.

Writing Activity:

• Write a letter to the mayor from the point of view of one of Prudence Crandall's African American students.  Write to him focusing on why you should be able to attend school.  This is a great way to incorporate persuasive writing into the reading of this book.

Web Resources:

• Visit the website for Prudence Crandall Museum in Canterbury, CT.  This is an informative website and includes information on planning field trips to the museum.
•  Use this Teacher's Guide, which gives background information, a book summary, ways to read the book, before/during/after reading activities, as well as assessments.

Jurmain, Suzanne. The forbidden schoolhouse: the true and dramatic story of Prudence Crandall and her students.. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2005. Print.