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Industrial Revolution Schools — Reading Comprehension

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

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This engaging reading passage explores how schools changed during the Industrial Revolution and Progressive Era in the United States. Students will learn about the reasons behind new education laws, how lessons and classrooms evolved, and the impact these changes had on children's lives. The passage features grade-appropriate vocabulary, a glossary, a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, and a timeline of key events. Activities are designed to build reading comprehension, historical understanding, and analytical skills. Aligned to C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this resource also includes a Spanish translation and read aloud audio. Perfect for building foundational knowledge about education reform and the broader changes of the Progressive Era in U.S. history.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Classroom at Yesler School, ca 1905 (MOHAI 6919)" by Unknown authorUnknown author/ Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

During the Industrial Revolution in the United States, many children worked in factories instead of going to school. Families were often poor and needed every member to help earn money. Children worked long hours in unsafe places, making clothes, tools, or other goods. This work was hard and dangerous.

At first, only a few children could go to school. Most schools were small and cost money to attend. Many families could not afford it. Some people, called reformers, believed all children should have the right to learn. These reformers thought that education could help children escape factory work and have better lives.

Reformers began to speak out and work for change. They wanted free, public schools for every child. They believed that learning to read and write, called literacy, was very important. If children learned these skills, they could get better jobs and help their families in new ways. Reformers also said that educated citizens would make the country stronger.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the fight for public schools grew stronger. Laws were passed in many states to make school free for children. Some states even made school attendance required. More schools were built, and teachers were trained to help every student succeed. Children began to leave factories and enter bright classrooms instead.

Life in the new public schools was very different from factory life. In school, children learned reading, writing, math, and history. They played with friends at recess instead of working with machines. School gave children a safe place to grow and dream. Many students were the first in their families to learn to read and write.

The work of the reformers changed America. Today, free public education is a right for all children in the United States. The fight for schools helped end child labor and opened a new world of opportunities for young people.

Interesting Fact: In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state to require children to attend school.

Who helped children get free schools?

ReformersFactory ownersParents onlyShopkeepers

What did most children do before schools?

Worked in factoriesTraveledPlayed sportsOwned farms

What was required in Massachusetts in 1852?

Children attend schoolFactories closeNo homeworkLonger work hours

How did reformers change children's lives?

Helped them attend schoolMade them work moreClosed all schoolsGave them toys

Why did families send kids to work?

Needed moneyWanted funSchool was fullTo learn math

What is one result of public schools?