Poor Richard’s Almanack

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on a publication started by Benjamin Franklin in 1732 under the pseudonym “Richard Saunders.” It delves into the reasons behind Franklin’s initiation of this annual publication, highlighting its content and significance in the context of advertising his printing business. By detailing its contents, from poems and sayings to scientific information, the worksheet underscores the almanack’s multifaceted nature. Additionally, it showcases the success of the almanack by noting that over a span of 25 years, 10,000 copies were sold annually.

To effectively engage with this worksheet, students should begin by attentively reading the provided information about “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” As they progress, it might be helpful to note or underline key points, especially concerning the almanack’s purpose, content, and outcomes. Once they’ve comprehensively understood the text, they should address the three questions, using evidence from the provided narrative to substantiate their answers. Finally, students might benefit from discussing their responses in a group setting or referring to external resources to gain a richer perspective.

The worksheet aims to familiarize students with Benjamin Franklin’s venture into publishing, emphasizing the strategic and entrepreneurial aspects of his career through the example of “Poor Richard’s Almanack.” It also imparts the value and content of historical publications, demonstrating how they can be both informational and commercial. The questions at the end are crafted to hone students’ comprehension and analytical skills, directing them to infer details from the narrative and draw connections between Franklin’s motivations and the almanack’s eventual success. Through this exercise, students gain insights into the intersections of business, literature, and science during Franklin’s era.