Squanto, Friend Of The Pilgrims
Scholastic Biography Series
on Goodreads (3,316)
What’s inside...
An Indian goes to London with some of the first English explorers, is sold into slavery in Spain, and finally returns to America where he befriends the Pilgrims when they land. Tells of the adventurous life of the Wampanoag Indian, Squanto.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Squanto felt when he met the Pilgrims? What would you do if you met someone from a different part of the world?
What are some ways Squanto helped the Pilgrims? Can you think of a time when you helped someone in need?
Why is friendship important in the story? Who are your friends and how do you help each other?
What can we learn from the cooperation between Squanto and the Pilgrims? How can you apply these lessons in your own life?
How did the environment play a role in the story? Why do you think taking care of our environment is important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Squanto’s shoes, fostering a deeper understanding of his experiences and choices.
Discuss the significance of helping others and teamwork, emphasizing the impact of Squanto’s actions on the Pilgrim’s survival.
Highlight the theme of friendship across cultures and ask your child to share their experiences of making and being a friend.
Use Squanto’s story to talk about the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in solving problems and achieving common goals.
Connect the story to real-life by discussing the importance of environmental conservation and respect for nature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays Squanto's generosity in helping the Pilgrims survive in the New World despite his own past hardships with Europeans. He teaches them farming techniques and helps them establish relations with local tribes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of putting aside personal grievances to understand and help others. This encourages them to be helpful and empathetic in situations where others may need support, even if it is challenging.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: Squanto's ability to adapt to various cultures and hardships, including his capture and life in Europe, before returning to his homeland, highlights an extraordinary resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of adapting to new environments and overcoming difficulties, inspiring them to remain resilient and optimistic through personal challenges or changes in their lives.
Example Lesson: Cultural Exchange and Cooperation
Explanation: The book showcases the positive outcomes of cultural exchange and cooperation between Squanto’s tribe and the Pilgrims, which were essential for mutual survival and building a supportive community.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of cooperating and sharing knowledge with people from different backgrounds, fostering an inclusive attitude and appreciation for diverse cultures.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Squanto’s story provides an insight into the early interactions between Native Americans and European settlers, giving a perspective on the historical events of that time.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and respect history, understanding how past events shape our present and influence interactions between different communities.
Example Lesson: The Power of Peaceful Mediation
Explanation: Squanto serves as a mediator between the Pilgrims and Native American tribes, promoting peaceful coexistence and negotiations instead of conflicts.
Real-World Application: Teaches the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and the role of mediators in preventing disputes, which can be applied in resolving daily conflicts at school or at home.