Skilled Craftspeople of the Town — Reading Comprehension

In the towns of colonial New England, skilled craftspeople were very important. These men and women made and fixed many things that people needed every day. Each craftsperson learned a special skill, like making shoes, building barrels, or working with metal.

At the center of the town, the blacksmith worked hard in his shop. He used fire and a heavy hammer to shape iron. People came to him for horseshoes, nails, and farming tools. The blacksmith helped farmers, builders, and even children by fixing broken items. Every clang of his hammer helped the town grow stronger.

Nearby, the cooper made barrels and buckets. Barrels were used to store food, water, and goods. Without the cooper, people could not keep their things safe and dry. The cooper measured, cut, and fit wooden pieces together until each barrel was tight and strong.

Many craftspeople started as apprentices. An apprentice was a young person who learned a trade by working for a master craftsperson. The apprentice swept the shop, carried tools, and watched closely. After years of learning, the apprentice became a journeyman and could work on their own.

Working together, craftspeople solved problems for the town. When farmers needed new plows, they went to the blacksmith. If a family needed a barrel for water, they visited the cooper. Shoemakers, called cobblers, made sturdy shoes for everyone. Each person’s skill helped the whole community.

Colonial towns had a strong sense of unity. People worked hard, shared their skills, and helped their neighbors. Craftspeople taught their skills to others, so new workers could help the town in the future.

Their work was not easy. Craftspeople had long days and used simple tools. Still, they felt proud when they finished a job. Their tools and crafts made life better for everyone in the town.

Interesting Fact: Some blacksmiths could make over 100 nails in one hour!

Who worked with fire and iron?

What did coopers make?

Who made shoes in colonial towns?

Why was the blacksmith important?

How did craftspeople help their towns?

What happened after being an apprentice?

Craftspeople made life better for towns. True or false?

What is an apprentice?