The Jamestown Colony
We the people Series
What’s inside...
An account of the first permanent English settlement in North America, established in 1607 in Jamestown, Virginia. The settlement faced many tragedies and disasters, but its establishment marks a significant event in U.S. history. This is part of a best-selling series that investigates U.S. history through dynamic and fact-filled books, using historical documents and illustrations to bring the information to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for the settlers when they first arrived at Jamestown?
Why do you think teamwork was important for the Jamestown colonists?
How do you believe the environment affected the settlers’ daily lives and choices?
In what ways do you think the Jamestown colony shaped the history of America?
Can you imagine how the interactions between the Native Americans and the settlers might have been? What could they have learned from each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the Jamestown settlers or the Native Americans to better understand their perspectives. Use visuals, such as maps or replicas, to deepen the conversation. Draw parallels between the historical events discussed in the book and current events to make the discussion more relevant. Praise your child for their insights and curiosity as they answer and ask questions, fostering a positive reading environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The settlers of the Jamestown Colony faced numerous hardships including harsh winters, food shortages, and conflicts. Their perseverance is a central theme in the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of determination and endurance in overcoming obstacles, whether it's solving a difficult math problem or dealing with a tough day at school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The survival and eventual success of the Jamestown settlers relied heavily on their ability to work together and form alliances with the Native American tribes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied during group projects or sports activities.
Example Lesson: Cultural Exchange and Respect
Explanation: The book highlights interactions between the English settlers and the Native Americans, showcasing moments of cultural exchange and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and perspectives, which is essential in today’s global society.
Example Lesson: Adaptation and Innovation
Explanation: To survive, the Jamestown colonists had to adapt to the new land and innovate with resources available to them. This is depicted through their agricultural practices and building methods.
Real-World Application: This lesson underlines the importance of adapting to new environments and thinking creatively, skills that are useful in school projects and daily life.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book does not shy away from the colony's early failures, such as the 'Starving Time,' but it also discusses how these experiences were integral to the colony's eventual stability.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to see failures as learning opportunities and to use them as stepping stones to success.