The Effects of Tenant Farming and Sharecropping

Students learn about tenant farming and sharecropping. They identify similarities and differences between the two. They examine problems that arose due to sharecropping, and then they write a paragraph explaining why they would choose to be a tenant farmer or a sharecropper.

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Here are the teacher pack items for The Effects of Tenant Farming and Sharecropping:

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Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn about tenant farming and sharecropping. They identify similarities and differences between the two. They examine problems that arose due to sharecropping, and then they write a paragraph explaining why they would choose to be a tenant farmer or a sharecropper.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 through scene 4.

Objectives:

Identify similarities and differences between sharecropping and tenant farming.
Identify problems that arose due to sharecropping.

After the Civil War, plantation and ranch owners needed to find a way to work their land. Two of the new farming models that arose were tenant farming and sharecropping. In this lesson you will learn about them.

Objectives:

Identify similarities and differences between sharecropping and tenant farming.
Identify problems that arose due to sharecropping.

two men standing outside a wooden building

Tenant Farmers

Are you familiar with the word tenant? If not, look it up in a dictionary.

Post at least one synonym for “tenant.” To list multiple items, separate them with a comma, like this: jet, train.

Post your answer

Student answers will vary. Discuss with students the answers they provided. Possible answers: rent, occupant, boarder, occupy

Divide students into their small groups for the next three scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.

The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Cotton, Cattle, Railroads, and Westward Expansion Unit.