Subject Area(s): Social Studies

Grade Level(s): 5

Format of Library of Congress media: Images

Best Instructional Practices

Standards

Virginia Studies

VS.3 The student will demonstrate knowledge of the first permanent English settlement in America by

  1. a) explaining the reason for English colonization;
  2. c) identifying the importance of the charters of the Virginia Company of London in establishing the Jamestown settlement;
  3. f) describing the hardships faced by settlers at Jamestown and the changes that took place to ensure survival;
  4. g) describing the interactions between the English settlers and the Powhatan people, including the contributions of the Powhatans to the survival of the settlers.

Length

1 one hour and fifteen minute class period

Lesson Summary

After examining primary sources about the Jamestown colony, this lesson uses "America's Story: Jump Back in Time" to engage students in reading and writing about the challenges faced during the establishment of the Jamestown colony. After completing graphic organizers based on readings, students will write postcards to their homes in England describing their experiences.

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All of the materials used in this lesson plan are available for downloading as PDF Files and PowerPoint files, as appropriate. PDF Files can be viewed with the free Adobe Reader.

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