Early America

Young historians discover the early people of the western hemisphere. The unit explores how the land changed, how it was used and homes of early Americans such as Incas, Mayans, Inuits, Aztecs, and Pueblos. Individuals also examine these...

Practice reading fluency with a Reader's Theater performance based on Washington's Farewell Address. The teacher begins by reading a few paragraphs from the address and talking about mood and expression with the class. Groups of five...

While cities had only a small fraction of the population in colonial America, they played a significant role in pre-revolutionary years, and this was certainly true for the largest city in the North American colonies: Philadelphia. Your...

Bring history to life with this collection of hands-on early explorer activities. From creating a flip book about the Vikings' exploration of North America to a reader's theater performance about Christopher Columbus' search for the...

Celebrate the geography of the Americas and develop map skills through a series of activities focused on the Western Hemisphere. Learners study everything from earthquakes and volcanoes of the Americas and the relationship between...

Learn the life of Christopher Columbus with the help of a timeline. Young historians interpret Columbus' life story from birth to death, and answer questions to reinforce comprehension. 

Take your art class back centuries to the art of metal tooling. This is an art technique also referred to as embossing, or repajado in Mexico and South America. This is a fun project to introduce a new technique and new materials. This...

Practice reading fluency, analyze poetry, and cover social studies topics with a study of the Iroquois poem "Magic Formula." Included here is some historical background, a short vocabulary list, extension ideas, fluency activities, and...

Young historians create a replica of Jamestown Virginia, analyze the Mayflower Compact, practice penmanship by copying a famous quote by William Bradford, and read a great informational text on the beginnings of colonial America with a...

Students explore what a leader represents. For this social science lesson, students discuss what the traits, qualities, or characteristics are of a leader. Students also understand that leaders existed in America's past and in the...