Imagine waking up 200 years ago in 1821. Instead of an alarm clock, a person called a “knocker-upper” would tap on your window with a long pole to wake you up. Fast forward to 2021, and your favorite song gently wakes you up from your phone. You grab your phone, turn off the alarm, and start scrolling through your social media feed. It’s time to get ready for the day!
Back in 1821, you would wash your face with cold water from an iron basin and brush your teeth with a wooden toothbrush and a powder made from crushed bricks, charcoal, and salt. Surprisingly, people back then had decent dental health because they ate natural foods like wheat, rice, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Rich people, however, loved sugary treats, which ruined their teeth.
In 2021, you start your day with a refreshing shower, brush your teeth with minty toothpaste, and enjoy a breakfast of coffee and boiled eggs. You put on your business casual clothes and head out, ready to face the day.
In the past, you would travel by carriage, navigating muddy roads and asking for directions from passers-by. Today, you drive on highways, sometimes stuck in traffic, but with the help of GPS and satellite radio to keep you entertained.
At work in 1821, you might be at a weaving factory, using a fountain pen to jot down notes. In 2021, you sit at your desk, open your laptop, and send emails with ease. Lunch breaks are different too. In the past, you would walk to a restaurant and wait for your meal, while today, you can pre-order a business lunch and enjoy it in the break room.
After work, it’s time for some fun! In 1821, you might attend a party at a friend’s house, listening to live piano music and enjoying a fancy buffet. In 2021, you head to a party with music blasting from a DJ you follow on Instagram. You dance, enjoy pizza and sodas, and have a great time with friends.
As the night ends, you head home, change into your nightwear, and drift off to sleep, dreaming of the exciting day you’ve had. Whether it’s 1821 or 2021, some things never change: the joy of good company and a fun party!
Imagine you are living in both 1821 and 2021. Create a timeline that highlights the key differences in daily routines, travel, and entertainment between these two years. Use drawings, magazine cutouts, or digital tools to make your timeline visually appealing. Share your timeline with the class and discuss how these changes reflect broader societal shifts.
With a group of classmates, prepare a short skit that depicts a day in the life of a person in 1821 and another in 2021. Focus on morning routines, travel, work, and evening activities. Perform your skit for the class, and afterwards, discuss what aspects of life have improved and what challenges remain the same.
Choose a historical figure from the early 19th century and imagine interviewing them about their daily life. Write down a list of questions you would ask, such as their morning routine or how they travel to work. Then, write a creative response from the perspective of the historical figure. Share your interview with the class.
Write two diary entries: one as a person living in 1821 and another as someone in 2021. Describe a typical day, focusing on morning routines, work, and evening activities. Use descriptive language to convey the differences in lifestyle and technology. Share your entries with a partner and discuss how daily life has evolved.
Create a poster that compares and contrasts life in 1821 with life in 2021. Include images, symbols, and short descriptions of key aspects such as morning routines, travel, work, and entertainment. Display your poster in the classroom and explain your design choices to your classmates.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – In history class, we learned about the causes and effects of the American Revolution.
Music – The art of arranging sounds in time to produce a composition through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. – The music of Beethoven is still celebrated for its emotional depth and complexity.
Party – A social gathering of invited guests, typically involving eating, drinking, and entertainment. – The students organized a party to celebrate the end of the school year with music and dancing.
Travel – The act of moving from one place to another, often over long distances. – In the 1800s, travel by train became a popular way to explore new parts of the country.
Work – Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result. – The work of composing a symphony requires both creativity and discipline.
Routine – A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. – Practicing scales is an important part of a musician’s daily routine.
Fun – Enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure. – Listening to live music at the festival was a lot of fun for everyone.
Breakfast – The first meal of the day, usually eaten in the morning. – During the Renaissance, people often started their day with a simple breakfast before attending to their work.
Friends – People with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations. – Many famous composers had friends who supported and inspired their musical creations.
Social – Relating to society or its organization. – Attending concerts was a popular social activity in the 19th century, bringing people together to enjoy music.
