Teaching history to students can be a challenging task, but it’s an important one. When teaching about colonial America, it’s important to help students understand the thirteen colonies and what made each one unique. Activities that help students select the thirteen colonies can make learning fun and engaging.

Here are a few activities to try with your students:

1. Picture Sort:

Give students a collection of pictures that represent different parts of colonial life, such as crops, animals, and houses. Ask them to sort the pictures into the thirteen colonies based on what they know about each one. This activity not only helps students learn about the colonies but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Map Activities:

Use maps to teach students about the geography of the thirteen colonies. Have them label the colonies on a map, color code each colony, and/or draw important features like rivers, mountains, and major cities. This activity not only helps students learn about the colonies but also improves map-reading skills.

3. Interactive Timeline:

Create an interactive timeline of colonial America, including important events and dates. Have students work together to place the events in the correct order and identify which colony was involved in each event. This activity teaches students about the history of the colonies and encourages teamwork and collaboration.

4. Trading Game:

Divide the class into groups and assign each group a colony. Provide each group with a selection of goods and resources that were traded during the colonial period. Have groups trade with each other to get resources they need to survive and grow their colony. This activity teaches students about the economy of the colonies and the importance of trade.

5. Scavenger Hunt:

Create a scavenger hunt with clues that lead students to different facts about the thirteen colonies, such as the name of a colony, the year it was founded, and the main reason it was established. This activity teaches students about the colonies in a fun and interactive way.
In conclusion, teaching the thirteen colonies can be challenging, but these activities will help students learn about the colonies, their history, and what made each one unique. These activities use a variety of teaching techniques to keep students engaged, including critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and collaboration. By using these activities, you will be able to help your students select the thirteen colonies and understand the important role they played in shaping American history.