First Colonies - History Summary Levels 1&2, 9/24/13

First Colonies

Explorers were traveling to the New World long before the first settlers arrived.  The village of Roanoke was one of the first attempts to establish a colony in what is now the United States of America, but it was not successful, and the mystery of what happened to the colonists has never been solved.

Twenty years later, the first permanent settlement was named “Jamestown” after King James I of England.  They were not prepared for the job of starting a new colony.  A strong leader named John Smith is credited with keeping the colony alive, despite his many brushes with death.

In class activities 9/24/13:

• Discussed the difference between explorers and settlers
• Created our own colonial button-string toys to help us remember that European children were now arriving in the New World
• Examine the geographic location of Roanoke and Jamestown
• Learned about the story of Jamestown
• Read portions of John Smith Escapes Again! by Rosaln Schanzer
• Discussed the mystery of the Lost Colony of Roanoke
• Added to our history notebooks

Optional Lesson Extension Activities:

• Thinkquest has a fun site dedicated to the Lost Colony of Virginia.  There you will find stories and games.
• Did you know that John Smith was in chains when he arrived in Jamestown?  Learn more through interactive cartoons at National Geographic Kids. 
• If you have (or can borrow) a copy of the movie "Pocahontas," this week would be a perfect time to watch it critically.  Remember, to discuss with your child that the cartoon is only loosely based on the true story.
• Pocahontas was not the indian princess' name.  It was a nickname meaning "playful one."
• Captain John Smith was not the same age as Pocahontas. In fact, she was about 11 or 12 years old, while he was nearly 30. 
• Though Pocahontas and Smith knew one another, no there is no proof that a romantic relationship ever existed between them.  Even Smith's own journal, "The True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captain John Smith" is silent on the subject.  Pocahontas actually married colonist John Rolfe at age 19.
• John Smith did not convert to Pocahontas' tribe's nature-based spirituality. On the contrary, Pocahontas converted to Christianity, and was baptized before her wedding. 
• Pocahontas died in England.

Assignment: There is no assigned reading from the history cards for next week's class.  Instead, please make sure that you review your timeline.