Teaching the Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies
If you teach U.S. History, I’m sure you will spend some time covering the Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies. These colonies are two of the most fascinating and foundational settlements in early America. I’ve always found this part of U.S. History to be especially engaging, and my students usually do too. Learning about these colonies is essential to understanding what shaped the nation’s beginnings. Thankfully, I have a complete U.S. History course with Unit 1 covering Jamestown and Plymouth.
After learning about Jamestown and Plymouth colonies, students love this compare and contrast activity.
If you’re teaching US History or any social studies course, I have a ton of resources to enchance your lessons on my website and Teachers Pay Teachers! Also, if you’d like even more classroom resources, activities, and free materials, be sure to join my email list for regular updates and freebies!
Unit 1: Colonial, Revolution, and Articles of Confederation
This unit is part of my full U.S. History course and engages students specifically about the colonial period, the American Revolution, and the Articles of Confederation. We begin by focusing on the British colonies in America before the Revolution. There of course were thirteen originally that lined the Atlantic coast.
In this comprehensive unit, students complete activities that bring history to life. Lessons include a 13 British Colonies Map Assignment, an engaging Articles of Confederation lesson, including stations and hands-on activities. This unit includes over 100 organized resources, a pacing calendar for teachers, videos embedded directly into PowerPoints, and free lifetime updates. As a Social Studies teacher with over 13 years of experience, I’ve built this unit with classroom practicality in mind. Everything is designed to help you teach effectively and confidently. Plus, with the purchase of this unit you’ll receive direct email support from me!
Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies: Compare and Contrast Lesson
If you’re diving deeper into the colonies, my Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies Compare and Contrast lesson is a must-have. This ready-to-use lesson includes everything needed for a full 55-minute class period (though it can easily be adapted to fit shorter or longer sessions). This activity can be purchased on its own, but is also included as part of Unit 1 (as described earlier in this post) of my US History course.
Inside, you’ll find a detailed lesson plan, video clips, and informational readings that cover the founding, challenges, and successes of both Jamestown and Plymouth. The lesson also includes four slides that can be used digitally or printed, the main compare-and-contrast activity with guiding questions, and a primary source poem with open-ended discussion prompts.
One of my favorite ways to use this activity is by dividing the class into two groups. One group focuses on Jamestown and the other on Plymouth. Each group researches its assigned colony using the provided materials. Once their research is complete, students pair up with someone from the opposite group to share their findings and complete the compare-and-contrast chart together. This not only encourages collaboration but also promotes a deeper understanding of both colonies.
Additionally, you can easily extend or adapt this lesson in a variety of ways. It works perfectly in a flipped classroom, as a homeschool activity, or as the foundation for a larger project or inquiry. You might even have students research a third colony of their choice and add that to their comparison for an enrichment activity.
Building Historical Thinking Skills
What I love most about teaching the Jamestown and Plymouth colonies is how naturally these lessons build students’ historical thinking skills. Students learn to analyze cause and effect, identify similarities and differences, and interpret primary sources. Students also get the opportunity to compare how geography, leadership, and motivation shaped each colony. Through activities like these, students begin to see that history isn’t just about dates! It’s the big ideas, influential people, and pivotal events that really shaped our history. Finally, these activities also spark great classroom discussions which can really help students extend their learning.
Bringing the Early Colonies to Life
Teaching about the Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies offers students a powerful look into perseverance, community, and the beginnings of self-governance in America. Both colonies faced incredible hardships, yet their stories reveal the resilience and complexities early settlers faced. These resources are both great ways to help students not only understand these colonies but also connect with their lasting impact on American history. If you’re looking for support or inspiration in bringing your Colonial America unit to life, be sure to check out my full Colonial, Revolution, and Articles of Confederation Unit and my Jamestown and Plymouth Colonies Compare and Contrast lesson. These resources are designed to save you time while keeping your students engaged, informed, and inspired by the stories that shaped our nation. Additionally, make sure to opt in here for all of my regular updates and freebies!
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With 15 years of experience teaching government, U.S. history, sociology, and AP government in New York and Pennsylvania, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to students and teachers all over the world. She is also a certified AP U.S. Government grader for the College Board. Melissa proudly calls Wooster, Ohio, home and is a dedicated mother of two active boys and a supportive wife to a lacrosse coach.
