Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.1
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage introduces students to Jamestown, the first permanent English colony in America. Students will explore why settlers came to Virginia, the hardships they faced, and how they worked together to survive. The passage highlights important figures like John Smith and Pocahontas, and explains the colony’s relationship with the Powhatan people. Key vocabulary is integrated to build literacy skills. Students can further their understanding with multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, a timeline, and a graphic organizer to explore cause and effect. This resource aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and includes a Spanish translation and read aloud audio to support diverse learners. Whether for classroom or individual use, this comprehensive set supports foundational knowledge in U.S. history and English language arts.

CONTENT PREVIEW

In 1607, over one hundred settlers from England landed on the coast of Virginia. They built a small fort called Jamestown. This was the first permanent English colony in America. The settlers hoped to find gold and new land. They wanted to build a better life for themselves and for England.

The land around Jamestown was swampy. There were many mosquitoes and little clean water. The settlers did not have enough food. Many became sick and some died. The Powhatan people lived nearby. At first, the settlers and the Powhatan traded food and goods. This helped the settlers survive their first hard winter.

One leader, Captain John Smith, helped the colony. He taught the settlers to plant crops and fish. He said, "He that will not work, shall not eat." This rule made the settlers work together. They built houses and grew corn. John Smith also talked with Chief Powhatan, the leader of the Powhatan people. This helped keep peace for a while.

In 1609, John Smith had to leave Jamestown because of an injury. After he left, the colony suffered a time called the "Starving Time." Food was very scarce. Many settlers died, but some survived by working with the Powhatan and by growing more crops. In 1610, new settlers and supplies arrived from England. This helped save Jamestown.

Pocahontas, the daughter of Chief Powhatan, also played a part. She brought food to the settlers and helped keep peace. Later, she married John Rolfe, an English settler. Their marriage brought the two groups closer, at least for a time.

As years passed, Jamestown grew. More people arrived from England. The settlers began to grow tobacco. Tobacco became a valuable crop and helped Jamestown succeed. The colony grew into a town, and its success encouraged others to come to America.

Interesting Fact: The first law-making group in America, the House of Burgesses, met in Jamestown in 1619.

When was Jamestown founded?

1607162014921619

Who helped Jamestown settlers survive?

John SmithSquantoGeorge WashingtonBen Franklin

What important crop helped Jamestown succeed?

TobaccoCornWheatRice

Why did settlers struggle in Jamestown?

Little food and clean waterToo much goldCold wintersNo trees

How did John Smith help the colony?

Made settlers work togetherBrought more suppliesLeft JamestownBuilt ships

What was the "Starving Time"?