The Pilgrims Come to Plymouth — Reading Comprehension

The Pilgrims were a group of people from England who wanted to practice their own religion freely. In September 1620, they set sail on a ship called the Mayflower. The journey across the Atlantic Ocean was cold and dangerous. The Pilgrims had to stay below deck for many days because of storms.

After more than two months at sea, the Pilgrims saw land. They landed in November 1620 on the coast of what is now Massachusetts. The place they settled was later named Plymouth. The Pilgrims wrote an agreement called the Mayflower Compact. It said they would work together and make fair laws for their new home. One Pilgrim, William Bradford, wrote, “We whose names are underwritten...do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic.”

The first winter in Plymouth was very hard. It was cold and many Pilgrims became sick. Nearly half of them died. The survivors needed help to grow food and build homes. In the spring, Native Americans came to visit. A man named Squanto spoke English and taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn, fish, and find food in the wild. Because of this help, the Pilgrims had enough to eat for the first time.

After the harvest, the Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a great meal together. This feast is known as the first Thanksgiving. They celebrated their hard work, friendship, and the food they had grown. The Pilgrims learned that working together and showing respect helped them survive in a new land.

Interesting Fact: The Mayflower was only about 90 feet long, which is shorter than most school buses today!

What was the name of the Pilgrims' ship?

Where did the Pilgrims land?

Who helped the Pilgrims learn to plant corn?

Why did the Pilgrims write the Mayflower Compact?

What happened during the first winter?

How did the Pilgrims and Native Americans work together?

The Mayflower was very large.

What does 'harvest' mean?