Exploration & Colonization Reading Passages | TEKS / STAAR Social Studies

Address a variety of learning styles with reading passages that also contain embedded video links! These passages are specifically designed to accompany my Exploration & Colonization Interactive Notes, but are versatile and useful in conjunction with many other resources. These pages are easy to print-and-go OR send to your students to view through Google Classroom. If you find that your textbook is too wordy, this resource will be perfect for you!

This download contains 7 one-page reading passages covering the major topics for the Exploration & Colonization unit of U.S. History, listed below. Each page contains leveled text that targets a 7th-8th grade reading level.

1. Reasons for Exploration & Colonization (Spanish, French, English)
2. The First English Settlements (Jamestown & Plymouth Colonies)
3. The New England Colonies
4. The Middle Colonies
5. The Southern Colonies
6. Slavery in the Colonies (the Transatlantic Slave Trade)
7. Representative Government in the Colonies

To enhance comprehension, students can follow the embedded links to watch an appropriate video carefully chosen to align with each topic. Each video is accessed by students through a clickable link (if viewing digitally) and a QR code (if using a printed copy). (All videos are publicly available on YouTube, published by reputable sources, and have been used in my own classroom. However, please screen prior to use with your students. I do not own rights to any of the videos.) 

Please note that these readings are aligned strictly with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for 8th Grade Social Studies. Well-rounded history instruction will most certainly require further student inquiry and discussion on the more complex topics and events.

Other reading passages like these are available for the following units:

• American Revolution Reading Passages
• Writing of the Constitution Reading Passages
• The Early Republic & Age of Jackson Reading Passages
• Industrialization, Westward Expansion, & Reform Reading Passages
• The Civil War & Reconstruction Reading Passages

• U.S. History Reading Passages BUNDLE