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4th grade · Social Studies · Unit 6 of 9

The Thirteen Colonies

New England, Middle and Southern colonies

What your child practices

Why the colonies were founded, how the three regions differed in land, climate and work, and early self-government such as the Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses.

Arizona Academic Standards learning standard: 4.H3.1; 4.G2.1 · the English colonies, their regions and how ideas and the land shaped them

How we explain it

Children can open this short lesson before they practice.

  1. The thirteen colonies were in three regions: New England, Middle and Southern.
  2. The Southern colonies grew cash crops, crops grown to sell, like tobacco, rice and indigo.
  3. Early self-government included the Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses.

Example: What is a cash crop? Some crops are eaten at home. Others are grown to make money. Answer: a crop grown to sell

The Thirteen Colonies in Arizona

In the Arizona Academic Standards, this is unit 6 of 9 in 4th grade Social Studies, after Exploration & 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: Arizona Department of Education

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

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

    • 1492
    • 1776
    • 1620
    • 1812

  2. Question 2

    Which colony is in New England?

    • Georgia
    • Virginia
    • Pennsylvania
    • Massachusetts

  3. Question 3

    Which three regions were the 13 colonies divided into?

    • Pacific, Plains and Desert colonies
    • New England, Middle and Southern colonies
    • Mountain, River and Lake colonies
    • Northern, Western and Island colonies

  4. Question 4

    How many British colonies joined to become the first United States?

    • 13
    • 50
    • 7
    • 20

  5. Question 5

    The Southern Colonies had a long growing season and rich soil. Which crops did they grow for sale?

    • Nothing; they only fished
    • Wheat and oats only
    • Tobacco, rice and indigo
    • Apples and pears only

  6. Question 6

    What is one cause of the Salem witch trials in 1692?

    • A war with Spain
    • A tax on tea
    • A gold rush
    • Fear and accusations in a strict Puritan community

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