Longhouses of the Eastern Woodlands — Reading Comprehension

The Eastern Woodlands is a region in North America. Many Native American groups, like the Iroquois, lived there for hundreds of years. These people built special homes called longhouses.

A longhouse was a large, wooden building. It could be over 100 feet long! Families made their homes inside. Each family had its own space along the walls. A shared hallway ran through the middle. The roof was curved and covered with bark to keep out rain and snow.

Building a longhouse took teamwork. Men cut down tall trees and shaped the wooden frames. Women covered the frames with sheets of tree bark. Children helped gather small branches and leaves. Together, they finished the house in a few weeks.

Longhouses were more than just shelter. They helped people stay warm and safe. In cold winters, fires burned in the center. Smoke left through holes in the roof. Families shared food and stories around the fire. Living together made the community strong. The Iroquois called their home, "The House of Many Families."

Longhouses also played a big part in traditions and ceremonies. Important meetings and events happened inside. The oldest women, called clan mothers, helped lead the families. They made big decisions for the group.

Over time, some groups built small villages with many longhouses. These villages had strong walls called palisades to protect everyone. Longhouses brought people together and helped their communities grow.

Interesting Fact: Some longhouses could fit 20 or more families inside at once!

Who built longhouses in the Eastern Woodlands?

What was used for the longhouse roof?

What did families share in the longhouse?

Why were palisades built?

How did longhouses help the community?

Who helped make big decisions?

Longhouses could fit 20 families. True or false?

What does 'ceremonies' mean?