Hands-On Activities for Studying Colonial Times

Published:
May 6, 2020

Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa

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Many times when we think of colonial times, we think of the Pilgrims. That type of simplicity is admirable, but the colonial times are worth studying. These resources and Colonial day activities will go great alongside your history lessons.

Hands-On Activities for Studying Colonial Times

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The 16th century in Europe emerged an age of mercantilism, which motivated nations to seek even more economic gains. In hopes of expanding the British Empire (primarily because of their rival, Spain), Queen Elizabeth of England encouraged colonization in North America. 

Most of the settlers were English, but there were others from around Europe as well, like the Dutch, Germans, Swedes, and more.

What were the colonial times?

The colonial times spanned from the 16th to 17th centuries in the Americas, where European groups expanded to colonize and move to claim the new land they learned about.

Most emigrants left their countries for freedom of religion, to escape political oppression, or plainly for adventure or opportunity a new world would bring.

Although many people think of pilgrims when they think of colonization of America, the pilgrims didn’t arrive until 1620 from their voyage on the Mayflower.

Colonial Times Fun Facts

Many people know the first colony settling in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. However, did you know there was an attempt to colonize even before this time?

The very first attempt for the English to settle in America began in the Roanoke Colony in 1585, led by Sir Walter Raleigh along with 91 men, 17 women, and nine children.

The Roanoke Colony actually failed. Guess why? History says that the Roanoke Colony mysteriously vanished after only three years of their attempt to settle there. This leaves a lot to the imagination, doesn’t it? – making the people who settled in Jamestown, a bunch of brave folks.

Why study the colonial times?

Of course, the colonial times began the emigration of people to North America and sparked the country we live in today.

However, another interesting point of study to share with our children is based on the way of life during colonial times. No matter your stature, the first people arriving had to work hard, yes, even the children.

I find this a significant part of history lessons where we can encourage our children in the value of chores and responsibility in the home.

Colonial Life for Kids

Children during the colonial times had their part and share of responsibilities in the home. They contributed to the house like our children can contribute to helping our home function smoothly as well.

Early on, girls didn’t even have access to go to school, but eventually, education grew to kids of all ages in a schoolhouse. Mostly all learning was hands-on learning.

Eventually, the lands separated into what we know today as the city and farm. Whether families were in the city or the farms, both included kids having much responsibility.

Colonial Day Activities

We created a notebook for kids called Living in Colonial Times a Notebooking Journey you might want to check out. 

Living in the Colonial Times workbook cover with image examples of pages

Colonial Days Videos and Books

Books About Colonial America

Colonial Day Activities

To get your kids excited and engaged in learning this history, explore these hands-on activities for studying colonial times.

Hands-On History Unit Studies

Colonial Activities

Hands-On History Cloth Dyeing

Colonial Times Activities

Colonial Day Games

Activities for Colonial Day

water wheel and mill

Colonial Day Printables

Free Printables & Resources for Colonial America

Thirteen Colonies Printables

Free Resources for Studying the Original 13 Colonies text with image of a old boat

Colonial Jobs Worksheet

Colonial Days Worksheets

In Conclusion

Studying with these hands-on activities for studying colonial times will make learning about history fun. Teaching kids about the lifestyle than will maybe help them appreciate the life they live in today. 

Hands-On Activities for Studying Colonial Times

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