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6th grade · Social Studies · Unit 2 of 14

The Thirteen Colonies

New England, Middle and Southern colonies

What your child practices

Why the colonies were founded, how land and climate shaped the three regions, the people who founded them, the religious life of the colonies and the First Great Awakening, and early self-government such as the Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses.

Alabama Course of Study content standard: 6.4; 6.5 · the New England, Middle and Southern colonies, and colonies founded for religious freedom

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. The Middle Colonies grew so much wheat they were the breadbasket colonies. New York was first the Dutch New Netherland.
  2. Some colonies began for religion: Maryland for Catholics. Preachers like George Whitefield drew huge crowds.
  3. John Rolfe's tobacco sold well in England and helped Jamestown survive.

Example: What was New York called when it was a Dutch colony? The Dutch came from the Netherlands. They named it after their home. Answer: New Netherland

The Thirteen Colonies in Alabama

In the Alabama Course of Study, this is unit 2 of 14 in 6th grade Social Studies, after The Columbian Exchange and before Colonial Trade & Work.

Gradelings describes a child's practice on this unit as Beginning, Approaching, Meeting or Exceeding (Four practice steps). That reflects practice, not a report-card mark: the teacher decides the mark.

Source: Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)

Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

  1. Question 1

    New York was first a Dutch colony. What was it called then?

    • New Netherland
    • New England
    • New Spain
    • New France

  2. Question 2

    Pennsylvania welcomed people of many faiths because William Penn and the Quakers believed in…

    • one official church
    • rule by bishops
    • religious tolerance
    • banning newcomers

  3. Question 3

    What was a town meeting in New England?

    • A meeting of the king's army
    • A gathering where townspeople discussed and voted on local issues
    • A church service only
    • A trial in England

  4. Question 4

    The Great Awakening encouraged many colonists to…

    • stop going to school
    • move to England
    • question old authorities and choose their own churches
    • obey the king in everything

  5. Question 5

    Why were the Middle Colonies known for being diverse?

    • Only people from one town lived there
    • They banned all newcomers
    • People came from many countries and religions
    • No one lived there

  6. Question 6

    The Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower and founded Plymouth in which year?

    • 1812
    • 1492
    • 1620
    • 1776

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