📚 WALT: Research and record facts about child convicts from the First Fleet

Success Criteria: I can identify key facts about child convicts including their age, crimes, and ships.

1. Match each child convict to their crime by drawing lines:

Elizabeth Steel (14)

Joseph Arnold (11)

Mary Wade (13)

Samuel Smith (12)

Breaking and entering

Shoplifting

Stealing food

Theft of clothes

2. Which ship carried the youngest convict?

Charlotte

Sirius

Alexander

Friendship

3. Fill in the missing information:

Ann Holmes was _____ years old and was transported for _____________ and _____________.

Thomas Barrett sailed on the ship _____________ and was convicted of stealing _____________.

✏️ Part 2: Understanding Child Convict Experiences

4. Which of these challenges would child convicts have faced? (Tick all that apply)

Being separated from family

Long sea journey

Having mobile phones

Poor food and living conditions

Fear and uncertainty

5. Why do you think so many child convicts were transported for stealing food or clothes?

6. Compare then and now: How is life different for children today compared to child convicts in 1788?

7. Imagine you are one of the child convicts. Write a short diary entry describing your feelings about leaving England and sailing to Australia:

8. Extension Activity: Research one of these child convicts further. What do you think happened to them after they arrived in Australia?

Differentiation Support: If you need help, discuss your ideas with a partner before writing, or draw a picture to show your thoughts first.