Spray Plantation, Near the St. Mary's River, Maryland, l661 Sue Freienmuth for Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, Oct. 25, 2000
Think About It - Be an Active Reader
A good way to learn about a new topic is to ask a few good questions before you begin. What do you know already? What do think you will learn? What do you want to learn? Take time to record your thoughts on paper.
As you read and observe, focus on finding answers to your questions. You may look for answers to questions that your teacher wants you to answer, but it is also important to look for answers to questions that you have made for yourself.
There are other questions located below that may interest you. However, before you look at them, try to come up with some on your own.
As you read you will probably want to ask new questions and revise the ones you have. Record your new questions. Revise if you need to. Take notes as you find answers. The more active your mind is during your experience, the more you will learn.
Other Questions to Think About
(Don't try to look for answers to all of them at once. Focus on one at a time as your go through the tour.)
1. Why is the Spray family producing tobacco in Maryland? (Why did they choose to live in Maryland? Why are they growing tobacco here instead of doing something else?)
2. What are signs of Master Spray's success as a tobacco planter? (What are the benefits of growing tobacco in Maryland?)
3. How has Master Spray been able to achieve success?
4. What would Master Spray need or what must he do to become more successful?
5. What could happen that would limit Master Spray's success? (What risks does he have?)
6. How has the Spray family been able to remain "English" so far from England?
7. How has the family adapted to and used the natural resources of the Maryland environment?
8. How is life on Spray Plantation similar to and different from the way you live in Maryland today?
Housing?
Diet?
Dress?
Games?
How people make a living?
9. How is the Spray "family" like a business? What is Master Spray's "business plan?" What are his goals? His market? How does he use natural, capital and human resources?
10. Why is English shipping important to the Sprays? (Why is the plantation near a waterway? What goods were exchanged between England and the Sprays? How?)
11. How does Master Spray spend the profit from his tobacco business? (What "economic choices" must he make?)
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