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Rocky Coast and Thick Forests in New England Colony — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.6.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This reading passage introduces students to the New England Colonies, focusing on the rocky coasts and thick forests that shaped life in this region. Students will learn about the challenges faced by settlers, the role of Puritans, interactions with Native Americans, and the importance of unity and problem-solving in Colonial America. The passage highlights cause and effect relationships and uses simple language suitable for young readers. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing prompts, a timeline of key events, and a graphic organizer to deepen understanding. The passage aligns with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.6.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2 standards. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are also provided, making this resource accessible to a diverse classroom. Key vocabulary words are included in a glossary for vocabulary development. This passage is ideal for history lessons about early America and the development of the colonies.

CONTENT PREVIEW

By trolley through eastern New England (1904) (14774211984).jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons - Internet Archive Book Images

New England is a region in the northeastern part of the United States. It is made up of six states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The geography of New England shaped how people lived and worked during Colonial America.

The land in New England is known for its rocky soil. This made it very hard for colonists to grow crops. Unlike the rich soil found in other colonies, New England’s ground was full of rocks and was not easy to plow. As a result, farming was difficult. Colonists had to clear many rocks just to plant small gardens for food. Because large farms were almost impossible, most families grew only what they needed to survive.

New England is also covered in thick forests. Early settlers cut down trees to build homes and ships. The forests gave people wood for fuel and for making tools. The many trees and cold winters meant that people often worked together to stay warm and safe. Winters in New England were long and harsh, with lots of snow and freezing temperatures. This climate made it hard to grow food all year, so colonists had to store food for winter months.

One of the most important features of New England is its long coastline. The coast stretches for hundreds of miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Because farming was difficult, many colonists turned to the sea for their jobs. Fishing became a major industry. Colonists caught fish, whales, and shellfish to eat and sell. The sea also made it easier to trade goods with other places.

The coastline and forests helped New England become famous for shipbuilding. Shipyards were built near the coast, where workers built strong ships from tall trees. These ships were used for fishing, trade, and travel. Shipbuilding brought jobs and wealth to many New England towns.

In summary, New England’s terrain and climate made large farms rare, but helped fishing, shipbuilding, and trade grow. The people of New England learned to use their land and sea to survive and build strong communities.

Interesting Fact: Some of the oldest towns in America, like Plymouth and Boston, were built along the New England coastline because the sea was so important for travel and trade.

Which soil made farming hard?

Rocky soilSmooth soilSandy soilWet soil

What did forests provide?

Wood for buildingGoldSugarCotton

Which industry grew from the coastline?

FishingMiningFarmingTextiles

Why did colonists fish?

Farming was hardGold was foundTo cut treesTo build roads

How did the climate affect farming?

Winters were too coldIt rained every dayAlways sunnyNo snow

Why were towns built near the coast?

Easy travel and tradeBetter soilMore treesLess snow