Why There Were Few Schools in the Southern Colonies — 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

About This Reader

This engaging reading passage explores the reasons why there were few schools in the Southern Colonies during colonial America. Students will learn about the geography, economy, and family life that shaped education in the South. The passage supports historical thinking by highlighting cause and effect relationships and provides context about plantation life, the spread-out population, and the role of tutors and family education. Key vocabulary is introduced and explained, and students can test their understanding with a multiple-choice quiz and writing activities. A timeline helps visualize the historical sequence. The passage meets C3 Framework and Common Core standards, and is supported by a Spanish translation and read aloud audio, making it accessible and comprehensive for diverse learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

The Southern Colonies had very few schools when America was young. Most children did not go to a classroom. This happened for several reasons. The first reason was the land. In the Southern Colonies, most people lived on large farms called plantations or in small villages. These plantations were far apart. Roads were rough and often muddy. It was hard for children to travel long distances to a schoolhouse.

Another reason was work. Many families needed their children to help on the farm. Farming took a lot of time and energy. Planting, picking, and caring for crops was hard work. Boys often learned to farm from their fathers. Girls learned to cook and sew from their mothers. Learning happened at home, not in a school.

Some wealthy families hired a tutor. A tutor was a teacher who came to the house. The tutor taught reading, writing, and math to the children. Most families could not afford a tutor. Poorer children learned skills by watching adults work. Their education was about daily life instead of books.

Churches sometimes taught children to read. They used the Bible as a textbook. Many children learned to read this way. Still, it was not the same as going to a regular school every day.

In the Northern Colonies, towns were closer together. This made it easier to build schools. In the South, people lived far apart. One colonist said, “Our plantations are so distant, that it is not possible for children to assemble at one place to learn.” Because of this, there were fewer schools in the Southern Colonies.

Over time, some Southern towns built schools for boys. Girls often stayed home to learn housework. It was not until many years later that schools became common for all children in the South.

Interesting Fact: Thomas Jefferson, who grew up in the Southern Colonies, believed all children should go to school. He worked hard to change education in Virginia.

Why were plantations far apart?

Land was spread outToo many schoolsPeople liked citiesNo one wanted neighbors

Who often taught boys to farm?

Their fathersSchool teachersTutorsTheir mothers

What book did churches often use?

The BibleA math bookA storybookA newspaper

Why did most children not attend school?

Plantations were far apartThere were too many tutorsChildren lived in big citiesGirls had more schools

How did wealthy families help their children's education?

Hired tutorsSent them to citiesUsed only the BibleDid not teach them

What was a main effect of spread-out farms?

Few schools were builtMore towns were madeChildren lived togetherMore teachers moved in