Not all colonies were formed by great explorers, and not every one was formed for the same reasons. In this activity, students will compare and contrast the two early English settlements of Jamestown and Plymouth. This activity requires students to create a grid storyboard (suggested size is 4x2 or 6x2). Students will use their research to identify the following aspects of both colonies:
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Students can create a timeline or timeline poster that represents the major events that took place in one, or both, of the colonies. Students will represent events such as the initial landing, establishment of government, numerous hardships encountered, and a major unique event for either Jamestown or Plymouth.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a grid comparing and contrasting the Jamestown and Plymouth settlements.
Organize a lively debate where students defend either Jamestown or Plymouth using their research. Debates help students practice critical thinking and public speaking while deepening understanding of each colony's unique challenges and achievements.
Divide your class into two teams, one representing Jamestown and the other Plymouth. Assign roles such as researcher, speaker, and note-taker to ensure everyone participates and stays engaged.
Encourage students to use their storyboard grids and other research to find supporting facts about their assigned colony. Evidence-based arguments make the debate more effective and educational.
Establish simple ground rules, like respectful listening and time limits for each team. This structure keeps the debate focused and allows all voices to be heard.
Facilitate a class discussion after the debate to review key points and reflect on what students learned about both colonies. This step reinforces understanding and builds collaborative skills.
Jamestown was founded in 1607 for economic gain and was located in Virginia. Plymouth, established in 1620 in present-day Massachusetts, was settled for religious freedom. The two colonies differed in their reasons for settlement, approaches to government, interactions with Native Americans, and religious practices.
Students can create a grid storyboard comparing aspects like location, reasons for settlement, difficulties faced, government, Native American relations, and religious differences. Using visuals and text helps them organize and present their research effectively.
Collaboration encourages deeper thinking, better communication, and problem-solving. When students work together on activities such as storyboards, they can share ideas and complete projects more efficiently, improving learning outcomes.
Both colonies faced harsh conditions like disease, food shortages, and difficult weather. Jamestown struggled with leadership and hostile relations, while Plymouth settlers faced harsh winters and limited resources but benefited from alliances with Native Americans.
The best way is to use a grid storyboard or timeline poster. Students label each aspect (like government or religion), fill in details for each colony, and illustrate with appropriate images to support understanding and engagement.