Exploring the 13 Colonies: Books and Videos for Middle School Students

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and videos.

The early 1600s was an exciting time in our country’s history. Colonists were arriving and successfully settling here. From Jamestown to Plymouth, people were coming to this New World and finding a way to make a home. Through the years we saw the establishment of other colonies, 13 total, before we finally came together to become the United States of America.

When we study Colonial America, I include as many American history activities as possible to bring this time period to life for my older kids.

By using something other than a textbook in your lessons, different tools like living books and videos, the events from the past will become much more interesting for your teens.

A great list of amazing books and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 Colonies. They're the perfect way drop the textbook and instead use living books and technology in your homeschool or classroom to bring American history to life. You'll want to reference this list again and again. One of our favorites has been the Carole Marsh books! #colonialhistory #USHistory #historyisfun #middleschool #tweens #teens #homeschooling #educationpossible

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Not sure how to start making colonial history more exciting for your older kids? Start with this list of interesting books, movies, and videos.

Looking for a way to keep track of everything your teen is learning about Colonial America? Or do you need some ideas of what exactly to cover in your lesson plans? Check out this incredibly helpful 13 Colonies Notebooking and Unit Study.

Books About the 13 Colonies

Blood on the River: James Town, 1607

Young Samuel Collier becomes a page to Captain Jon Smith. Follow his voyage to Virginia and the new James Town settlement.

Boys and Girls of Colonial Days

Stories of children and their adventures during colonial times.

The Colonial Caper Mystery at Williamsburg

In this Carole Marsh mystery, Grant and Christina find themselves in the middle of a situation involving a valuable missing map.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

Colonial Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes

Over 40 fun, hands-on projects and activities from the days of colonial America – churn butter, make Maple Create treats, write with a quill pen, and more.

Colonial Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in the New World (A Kid’s Guide series)

Hands-on activities for kids to enjoy including stitching a sampler, playing horseshoes, making an almanac, and more.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

The Landing of the Pilgrims

James Daugherty draws on the Pilgrims’ own journals to give a fresh and moving account of their life and traditions, their quest for religious freedom, and the founding of one of our nation’s most beloved holidays – Thanksgiving.

Life in Colonial America (Dover History Coloring Book

Inside are 44 detailed, ready to color illustrations about life in Colonial America.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

Pocahontas: Young Peacemaker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

This child-friendly book tells the story of the early life of the Indian princess Pocahontas and her contact with English settlers.

You Wouldn’t Want to Be an American Colonist!: A Settlement You’d Rather Not Start

These books are funny and help kids relate to day-to-day life in a certain period of history.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

Videos and Movies about Colonial America

Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of the Mayflower

Learn about the many hardships the Pilgrims faced and overcame as they set off to settle in a new and harsh world.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

Drive Thru History: American History, Special Edition 1-6

A fun and informative look at the important people and places in American history including the Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, Boston, and more.

Godspeed to Jamestown

Learn about the history of one of the ships that made the journey to the Jamestown settlement.

Exploring the 13 Colonies with books and movies - Education Possible Here are some of our favorite books, movies, and videos that middle school students can use when exploring the 13 colonies! Lots of activities and ideas to inspire your tweens/teens and bring American history to life.

School House Rock

This DVD is an American classic! “America Rock” titles include “Elbow Room,” “The Shot Heard ’Round the World,” and more.

The War That Made America: The Story of the French and Indian War

Students can learn about this important conflict that shaped the future of the colonies and the life of a very important Virginia soldier – George Washington.

As you can see, there are a ton of alternatives to textbooks when it comes to studying early American history. Choose one to add to your homeschooling lesson plans.

More Hands-on Project Ideas for Colonial America

What are your student’s favorite books and videos for learning about the 13 Colonies?

One Comment

  1. These are such great resources! I’ll definitely be checking many of them out with my boys.

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