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The First British Settlement in America (Lesson Plan)

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Lesson Plan - The First British Settlement in America

Elective Home Education (EHE) gives you the freedom to shape lessons around your child’s interests, pace, and learning style. Our lesson plans are designed to support this by providing clear but flexible activities you can enjoy at home. Each plan offers a blend of reading, questions, creative tasks, and extension ideas, helping you adapt learning to suit your family’s needs—whether you want a short lesson or a deep dive into the topic.

Think of these lesson plans as a starting point rather than a fixed set of rules. One of the joys of home education is being able to follow your child’s curiosity. If a topic catches their imagination, follow it! These plans are here to inspire, so feel free to adapt, extend, or skip parts to suit your learner and the kind of day you are having.

This lesson plan is designed to accompany our Info Zone Topic on The First British Settlement in America.

The First British Settlement in America
OverviewThis home education lesson explores the story of Jamestown, the first British settlement in America. Learners will discover why settlers made the journey, the challenges they faced, and the lasting impact Jamestown had on history.
Learning Objectives - Understand why the British established a colony in America
- Explain who the Powhatan people were and how they interacted with settlers
- Explore how Jamestown survived and changed the course of history
Estimated Time45–60 minutes
Starter Activity Discuss: "What would you take if you were moving to a completely new and unknown land?"
Make a list of 5 things you would pack and why.
Read and Learn Read our Info Zone topic about The First British Settlement in America either aloud with someone or quietly on your own.

Then discuss:

  • Why did the settlers choose Virginia?
  • What challenges did they face?
  • Who were the Powhatan people, and why were they important?
  • What surprised you most about life in Jamestown?
Next:

Look at a modern map of Virginia. Can you find where Jamestown was? Imagine how it would have looked in 1607.
Activities Comprehension Questions:

  1. What was the name of the first British settlement?
  2. Why was Captain John Smith important?
  3. How did tobacco help Jamestown?
  4. What happened between the settlers and the Powhatan people?
  5. Who was Pocahontas, and what was her role?

Creative Writing:

Write a letter home as a Jamestown settler. Describe your journey, what you found when you arrived, and how you are feeling about the challenges.

Timeline Challenge:

  • 1606 - The Virginia Company receives permission to settle
  • 1607 - Jamestown is founded
  • 1608 - Captain John Smith takes charge
  • 1614 - Pocahontas marries John Rolfe
  • 1619 - First meeting of the House of Burgesses
  • 1624 - Jamestown becomes a royal colony
Deeper Thinking Big Question: "Was Jamestown a success or a failure?"
Consider both the good and bad things that happened. What do you think?
Creative Projects - Draw Jamestown as you imagine it looked in 1607
- Design a new flag for the Jamestown colony
- Create a survival guide for new settlers arriving in Virginia
Review & Reflect Ask the learner:

  • What is one new thing you learned today?
  • What would you like to know more about?
  • What would you have done differently if you were a settler?
Extensions & Homework - Watch a documentary about Jamestown
- Compare Jamestown to another famous settlement like Plymouth
- Research Pocahontas and create a character profile
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