Fishing and Shipbuilding in New England — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This U.S. history reading passage explores the importance of fishing and shipbuilding in New England during Colonial America. Designed for upper elementary students, it provides a chronological narrative of how settlers used their coastal resources, built thriving communities, and contributed to trade and growth in the colonies. The passage highlights key vocabulary, explains cause-and-effect relationships, and includes a timeline of important events. Students will learn about the tools, people, and teamwork required for these industries, while also building literacy skills. The resource includes a Spanish translation, glossary, multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, and a graphic organizer to deepen understanding. Aligned with C3 Framework history standards and Common Core ELA standards, this resource also features a read aloud audio and a public domain image for visual learning.

CONTENT PREVIEW

USS Salem museum.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Sswonk

The New England Colonies became famous for fishing and shipbuilding during Colonial America. The land in New England was rocky, and the weather was cold. Farmers could not grow enough crops, so people looked to the sea for work and food.

Many settlers lived near the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean provided fish like cod, haddock, and mackerel. Fishermen learned to build strong wooden boats. They went far out to sea, even in rough weather. Fishing became a main job for many families. The fish they caught helped feed their towns and could be sold to other colonies or sent to England.

Because there were so many fishing boats, the colonies needed more ships. This is how shipyards became important. A shipyard was a place where workers built ships. People in New England cut down tall trees called timber to make strong ship parts. In the shipyards, carpenters and other workers built large ships for fishing, trade, and travel. Teams worked together to finish each ship. It took skill and hard work to build a ship that could cross the ocean.

The fishing and shipbuilding industries helped New England towns grow. Some people became merchants and traded fish and ships for goods like sugar and molasses. Others became craftsmen who made sails, ropes, and tools. These jobs helped the colonies become strong and wealthy. Governor John Winthrop once said, "We must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill." The hard work of people in New England helped make their towns important places.

Fishing and shipbuilding also brought people together. Neighbors helped each other build boats. Towns worked as a team to send ships out for trade. Because of these industries, New England became known for teamwork and strong communities.

Sometimes, storms or shipwrecks made the work dangerous. But people kept working, using their skills and courage to solve problems. They learned to build better ships and to work safely at sea.

Interesting Fact: By the late 1600s, New England shipyards built hundreds of ships each year, making the region one of the busiest shipbuilding centers in the world.

Why did New Englanders turn to fishing?

The land was rocky and coldThey loved swimmingThere were many forestsThey wanted to farm more

What did shipyards build?

BridgesShipsHousesSchools

What did merchants do?

Built shipsCaught fishTraded goodsCut timber

How did fishing help towns grow?

It brought more people and jobsIt made land better for farmingIt made winters warmerIt caused more shipwrecks

Why did people work together in shipyards?

To finish ships fasterTo catch more fishTo plant cropsTo build houses

Why was shipbuilding dangerous?

Storms and shipwrecksToo many fishCold waterTall buildings