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Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging history passage explores the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in America. Aligned to the C3 Framework and Common Core standards, the passage guides students through the challenges and successes faced by the Jamestown settlers, highlighting themes of bravery, unity, and problem-solving. Key vocabulary words are bolded and explained in the glossary, supporting literacy development. Students will learn about important historical figures such as John Smith and Pocahontas, and the relationship between the settlers and the Powhatan people. The passage features a chronological narrative, a timeline of key events, and includes an inspiring historical fact. Accompanying activities offer reading comprehension questions, a vocabulary challenge, and writing prompts to encourage deeper understanding and critical thinking. Read aloud audio and a complete Spanish translation are provided to support diverse learners. Perfect for history and ELA integration, this resource helps students connect the past to the present while building foundational social studies knowledge.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Hunt Shrine honoring Robert Hunt, the first Anglican minister of the colony at Historic Jamestowne, a preservation and continuing excavation site at the location of the 1607 James Fort, near the later 17th-century (and present-day) city of Jamestown, Virginia
Source: Library of Congress - Highsmith, Carol M.

The Jamestown Colony was the first permanent English settlement in America. It was founded in Virginia in 1607 by a group of men sent by the Virginia Company. The settlers hoped to find gold and become rich. They traveled across the Atlantic Ocean and landed near the James River. At first, the settlers built a small fort to protect themselves from danger.

The first years were very hard for the colonists. They did not have enough food. Many men did not know how to farm or hunt in the new land. The weather was hot and humid in the summer and freezing in the winter. Mosquitoes spread diseases like malaria. Because of poor water and little food, many people got sick. By the end of the first year, almost half the settlers had died.

In 1608, Captain John Smith became the leader of Jamestown. He made a rule: "He who does not work, will not eat." John Smith helped the colony survive. He worked with the Powhatan people, the Native Americans living nearby. Sometimes, the Powhatan gave the settlers corn and food. But there were also times of fighting and fear.

That winter, known as the "Starving Time," was the worst. The settlers ran out of food. Some ate roots, snakes, or even shoe leather to survive. Out of 500 settlers, only 60 survived by spring.

Later, the colony learned to grow tobacco. Tobacco became a very important crop. It helped Jamestown make money and attract more settlers from England. The colony slowly grew stronger. More families came, and houses and farms were built. Thanks to their hard work, Jamestown stayed, and it became the beginning of English America.

Interesting Fact: The first elected government in America, called the House of Burgesses, began in Jamestown in 1619.

When was Jamestown founded?

1607162014921776

Who became Jamestown's leader in 1608?

John SmithPowhatanGeorge WashingtonPocahontas

Where was Jamestown located?

VirginiaMassachusettsFloridaNew York

Why did many settlers die the first year?

Not enough foodToo much goldToo many shipsGood weather

How did tobacco help Jamestown?

It made moneyIt caused sicknessIt built housesIt made water

What was the "Starving Time"?