Fun Facts About Pirates Unit Study

1. Governments would hire private sailors to attack enemy ships in war.
Most pirates didn’t start off as lawless captains. In fact, many of them got their start when governments would hire them to raid their enemy’s ships.

The sailors discovered that this was an especially lucrative deal and would often offer their services to the enemy of their employer, as well. Back and forth it went, with pirates robbing their employers and their employers’ enemies!

In a hurry? Grab our exclusive Pirate Unit Study 

2. Pirates had rules and codes.
The life of a pirate wasn’t exactly the most virtuous, but they did have their own rules and codes. The rules would vary from ship to ship and governed everything from behavior to the distribution of loot.

It’s said that one of the most common rules across all ships was that there was to be no fighting amongst crew members. If someone disobeyed, they were usually marooned and/or shot. Pirates didn’t mess around!

3. Blackbeard was the most feared pirate.
A master at intimidation, Blackbeard was one of the most feared pirates on the open sea. His reputation preceded him so much so, that ships would often give up the moment they saw his flag flying.

One of his favorite scare tactics was to weave hemp into his beard and then light it on fire when he was within close range of his enemies. Seeing his burning beard must have been terrifying!

Join: AweFilled Homeschool Connect Exclusive FB Group!

4. There were female pirates too!
Women were considered bad luck on a ship, so women who wanted to live the life of a pirate had to disguise themselves as men. Not ones to shirk away from the violent side of being a pirate, female pirates like Anne Bonny and Mary Reed were well-known for their fighting and combat skills.

While women were eventually accepted by most pirate crews, they had to earn the crew’s respect and prove themselves as worthy pirates.

I designed this cute pirate unit study to use along with your fun facts. Grab it below for FREE for a limited time using code “freeforyou” 

Recommended reading for your unit study:

Pirates Go to SchoolHow I Became a PiratePirates Activity BookPirate Pete’s Talk Like a PirateEdward and the PiratesThe Brotherhood of Pirates

How to make a Pirate Treasure Chest Treat-

Ingredients                                                                

• 1 pkg. Cocoa Krispies Treats
• 1 pkg. Rice Krispies Treats
• 2 Laffy Taffy Ropes, Banana
• Edible Food Writing Pen
• Candy for chests: Rock Candy, Jolly Ranchers, Gold Coins, Pearl Candy
• Plastic swords, for decoration

Directions

1. Unwrap 2 Rice Krispies treats. Cut 1/3 off one of the treats for the top of the chest. Leave the other treat whole for the bottom of the chest.                        
2. Cut the Laffy Taffy down the length of the rope so you have 3 equal sections.         
3. Take 2 pieces of the taffy and press onto the top of the chest, to look like 2 stripes. Take a tiny little square of taffy and press onto the front side to resemble a lock.
4. Take 2 small strips of the taffy and press onto the front side of the bottom of the chest. Line these up with the top stripes when the trunk is closed. Press a tiny little square of taffy on the front side to resemble a lock.                       
5. With the writing pen, draw a little lock on each little square lock.
6. Place a few pieces of each type of candy on top of the bottom chest and place the top piece of chest on it. Make sure the back is pressed down to look like the chest is hinged, and the front is up to appear opened.                          
7. Great for parties!

Print out a copy of the recipe to have handy! 

In Awe,