The First American Colonies

In a quick mini-lesson, young pupils act as detectives to investigate the mystery surrounding the "disappearance" of the colony of Roanoke. 

Scholars examine the first Thanksgiving through books and interviews while they complete a KWL chart. Pretending they are part of the feast, learners craft a scrapbook page that features images related to their experience. Pupils reflect...

Is the story of the First Thanksgiving actually all it's said to have been? Watch a video that sheds light on the event, who Samoset and Massasoit were, and what the First Thanksgiving was really all about.

Students research how early colonists lived. They investigate late 17th century colonist's lives from Massachusetts and Delaware. Using their research, students write historical fiction in the form of friendly letters between the two...

From 1500-2000, an interactive timeline details important events related to Latino Americans. Next, to each date are small, yet informative blurbs—some of which include videos. 

Learners research information about the Mayflower, Pilgrims, the Plymouth Colony, the Wampanoags, and the first Thanksgiving. They take an online tour of the Mayflower, interpret timelines, create a postcard, and compare and contrast the...

How much did the geography of North America play a role in the formation of the thirteen colonies? Lead fourth, fifth or sixth graders on an adventure in cartography. Young historians create a map of colonial America, including major...

Accompany a reading of George vs. George: The American Revolution As Seen from Both Sides by Rosalyn Schanzer with a collection of short-answer questions and vocabulary terms predefined for your convenience. 

Why is Thanksgiving an important holiday to the Americans? Send your class on a mission to explore Plymouth colony and discover how the first Thanksgiving came to be. Who were the Wampanoags? How did they help the pilgrims? After...

Students explore the lifestyles of the American colonies. They conduct various activities according to their grade level including jigsaw research and creating a poster. Lesson includes primary source readings related to the topic.