A Changing America

Exploring the Theme In this unit we will have an opportunity to learn and investigate the following: to explore the very beginnings of our country to become more familiar with the settlements of the states to track the progression of people from the East coast to the West coast over a period of time.

Introduction First were the Native Americans. Different tribes and societies occupied parts of North America. Then the Europeans came and began to set up colonies. That was more than 150 years before the U.S. came into being. It wasn’t all log cabins and teepees and battles over territory. A society grew up that led to the America we know today. So…it’s your history---even if your ancestors didn’t come over on the Mayflower!

Activating Prior Knowledge What do you already know about American history? What do you think is the most important part of American history? Have you read any books about American history?

Discussing the Read Aloud Where were the thirteen colonies located? In the eastern part of the country If you were an early colonists, what foods would you eat? maize, potatoes, some European plants, fish, and wild game How would you get a place to live? You would build it? Where would you get the materials needed to build your house? cut the lumber in the forest

Genre: Expository Text The purpose of expository text is to share information with the reader or to persuade the reader to think or act a certain way Facts about real people or real events are often included Information is presented in a straight forward way. Events are presented in the order in which they happened, or steps are written in the order in which they should be done. The writing may be organized by topics. Diagrams, photographs, maps, or other illustrations may be included to help the reader understand the subject better.

Inquiry Connections Concept /Question Board The colonists had to face many hardships in America. Think about hardships that you or your family have faced. Were they the some of the same things that the colonists endured? Were they different?

Native Americans helped settlers from different cultures and different heritages build several thriving communities. We are all from different cultures and heritages. Think about some of the people who have helped you or your family. How did they help and how did you feel about it? We are all from different cultures and heritages. Think about some of the people who have helped you or your family. How did they help and how did you feel about it?