90+ Early American History Reading Comprehension Passages + Questions

Looking for a no-prep Early American History reading activity to build early literacy skills while keeping learners engaged? These 90+ Early American History–themed reading comprehension passages are designed for young readers at a Kindergarten, 1st grade, or 2nd grade reading level. Each passage supports fluency, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies, and features engaging nonfiction texts centered around Early American History and Colonial America.

Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, tutoring, or small group instruction, this resource offers a meaningful way to practice reading skills with age-appropriate and accessible content while integrating social studies printable worksheets, Early American History worksheets, and foundational U.S. history lesson plans.

What’s Included:

•  90+ nonfiction reading comprehension passages
• Comprehension questions for each passage
• Vocabulary words related to Early American History 
• Print-and-go format—no prep required!

Topics Included:

Colonial America – Leif Erikson | Christopher Columbus | The Pilgrims | The Mayflower | Plymouth Colony | Native Americans | Squanto | First Thanksgiving | Jamestown | Pocahontas | Williamsburg | Roanoke Island

Daily Life – Colonial Jobs | Farming | Homes | Clothing | Food | Slavery

Founding Figures – George Washington | Thomas Jefferson | John Adams | Ben Franklin | Alexander Hamilton | James Madison | John Hancock | John Jay

13 Colonies – Virginia | New York | Massachusetts Bay | Maryland | Connecticut | Pennsylvania | Georgia | and more

Historical Milestones – Declaration of Independence | American Revolution | Battles | Symbols | Important Dates

Early Settlements – Jamestown | Powhatan Tribe | Tobacco | John Smith | Elizabeth I | The Three Ships

The Mayflower – Compact | Hammock | Cannon | Ship's Biscuit | Barley | Salt | Life Aboard the Ship

Each passage introduces fun, familiar topics connected to Early American History, helping learners build key reading skills through informational text, reading comprehension and vocabulary practice, and early critical thinking exercises for social studies.

Perfect For:

✔ Blending literacy and themed learning in one activity
✔ Small group work, independent reading, or one-on-one instruction
✔ Classroom teachers, homeschool families, tutors, and interventionists
✔ Literacy centers, morning work, early finishers, or homework
✔ Supportive for ESL learners, special education, and differentiated instruction