Curated OER
The Powhatan Indians' English Boy
Sixth graders write a historical fiction narrative. In this interdisciplinary lesson plan, 6th graders read the historical fiction Henry Spelman: The Powhatan Indians' English Boy. Students write a piece from the point of view of the...
Curated OER
Jamestown
Fifth graders research the Jamestown settlement and examine life in the colonies from 1607-1610. They explore websites, develop a timeline, select two settlers to research, and write three letters written from the point of view of their...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Jamestown
The first of the British colonies to take hold in North America was Jamestown. On the basis of a charter which King James I granted to the Virginia (or London) company, a group of about 100 men set out for the Chesapeake Bay in 1607....
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Settlers, Slaves and Servants
Men and women with little active interest in a new life in America were often induced to make the move to the New World by the skillful persuasion of promoters. William Penn, for example, publicized the opportunities awaiting newcomers...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Primary Sources: The Virginia Company
An hour-long professional development workshop on teaching the establishment of Jamestown with primary sources. Features experienced classroom teachers. Materials and a complete lesson plan are also provided.
Huntington Library
Early English Exploration and Settlement of the Colony of Virginia
In this lesson, 5th graders learn about the individuals and groups who first founded the different colonies in America and what their motivations were. Students participate in a reader's theater activity, create a poster that would...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Jamestown Questions and Answers [Pdf]
This document presents important questions about the Jamestown settlement, along with detailed answers. Topics include the Native American Powhatan Indians and their interactions with the settlers, the purpose of creating the settlement...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Life at Jamestown [Pdf]
A 16-page history of the establishment and growth of the colony of Jamestown. Covers the early challenges, the starving time, the Virginia Company, the conflict with Powhatan, the beginnings of the tobacco economy, the introduction of...
Other
Virtual Jamestown: The Powhatan Indian Attack of March 22, 1622
Virtual Jamestown describes the relations between the English colonists and the Powhatan. Causes are listed for the attack of the Powhatan on the settlement at Jamestown.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Early Industries in Virginia [Pdf]
Discusses the many enterprises undertaken by the colonists in Virginia to try to make a profit. They were not successful until they began to grow tobacco.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: Company Charters and Challenges [Pdf]
When the Virginia Company of London began planning for its new colony in Virginia in 1607, leaders developed a 'wish list.' Over a period of seventeen years, King James I granted several charters to the Company, establishing an English...
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
History Is Fun: The Virginia Company of London [Pdf]
A one-page description of the Virginia Company of London.
Other
Jamestown Rediscovery: Virginia Company of Jamestown
The Virginia Company was given the responsibility for developing a settlement in the new world. This site introduces and details the work of the Virginia Company.
Other
A History of Jamestown, Virginia
A comprehensive history of the colony of Jamestown, Virginia. Includes a very nice timeline and historical background.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Pilgrim Elder William Brewster
A brief biography of William Brewster, one of the original Pilgrims to come over on the Mayflower.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Virginia
This site is provided for by the Library of Congress. Do you know when "the Virginia Company founded the first permanent English colony at Jamestown?" Do you know what the capital of the Confederacy was? Explore the history of Virginia...
The History Cat
The History Cat: History of Colonial America: Jamestown Colony
Describes the struggles of the Jamestown Colony to survive in its first years. Many died from disease and starvation, and things only began to turn when the colonists started to grow tobacco. The use of indentured servants and later,...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: An Ordinance & Constitution of the Virginia Company
This resource gives the text to this Ordinance and Constitution of the Virginia Company which set up a council and assembly for the first colony of Virginia. Be sure to click on "Context" to see how this fit in with the House of Burgesses.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: Early Settlements: Quiz (3)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and includes a variety of questions covering early settlement of Colonial America.
Curated OER
National Park Service: Captain John Smith
Biographical detail on American hero, John Smith, who was a leader of the Jamestown Colony.
Kidport
Kidport Reference Library: The British Colonies
A very brief description of the earliest English settlements in the New World followed by a list of the thirteen English colonies.