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Spinning Jenny Invention — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

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

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This U.S. history reading passage explores the invention of the Spinning Jenny and its important role in the Industrial Revolution. Students will learn how this invention changed the textile industry and helped shape modern industry in America. The passage follows a chronological narrative highlighting key events, figures like James Hargreaves, and the cause-and-effect relationships between invention and social change. Designed for young readers, the passage uses simple language, short sentences, and clear structure to aid understanding. Features include a glossary of key terms, a multiple-choice quiz, timeline, and writing activities to deepen historical thinking. Aligned with C3 Framework (D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5) and ELA standards (RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2). Includes a read aloud audio and full Spanish translation for bilingual support.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Spinning Jenny was an important invention that changed how people made cloth. In the 1760s, a man named James Hargreaves from England created this machine. Before the Spinning Jenny, making thread for cloth was slow. Workers used a spinning wheel, which could only spin one thread at a time. This meant it took a long time to make enough thread for fabric.

James Hargreaves wanted to help his family and other workers save time. He watched his wife spin thread and saw the spinning wheel tip over. This gave him an idea. If he could make a machine with more spindles, one worker could spin many threads at once. In 1764, Hargreaves built the first Spinning Jenny. It could spin eight threads at the same time. Later, improved versions could spin even more threads.

The Spinning Jenny made a big difference in the textile industry. Factories could make more cloth quickly and cheaply. This helped make clothes less expensive. Families who once had only a few outfits could now buy more clothing. The Spinning Jenny also helped people get jobs in factories. Many workers left farms to work in cities.

This invention was important during the Progressive Era in the United States. The country was changing. People were moving to cities, and machines were making work faster. The Spinning Jenny was one of the first machines to help start the Industrial Revolution. Other machines followed, but the Spinning Jenny showed how inventions could improve life for many people.

Even though the Spinning Jenny was first used in England, its idea soon spread to America. American factories used similar machines to make thread and cloth. This helped the United States grow and become a strong country. More goods could be made and sold. Factories offered steady jobs, and cities became busier places.

In the end, the Spinning Jenny changed the way people made and bought clothes. It made life easier for families and created new jobs for workers. The invention is remembered as an important step in the history of making things by machine.

Interesting Fact: The Spinning Jenny got its name from James Hargreaves’ daughter, who was named Jenny.

Who invented the Spinning Jenny?

James HargreavesEli WhitneyThomas EdisonHenry Ford

How many threads did the first Spinning Jenny spin?

EightOneTwentyTen

Where was the Spinning Jenny first invented?

EnglandAmericaFranceGermany

Why was the Spinning Jenny important?

It made cloth fasterIt washed clothesIt baked breadIt built houses

What happened after the Spinning Jenny was used?

Clothes became cheaperFewer people had jobsCities were smallerFood was cheaper

How did the Spinning Jenny help families?