Colonial Primary Source Reading

This primary source worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they practice close reading, historical interpretation, critical thinking, and evidence-based reflection. By examining an authentic 1640 letter written by a Massachusetts Bay Colony settler, students explore colonial values, daily challenges, religious beliefs, and community priorities while learning how historians use firsthand documents to understand early American life.

Learning Goals

• Primary Source Interpretation (Grades 4-6) – Read and analyze an authentic colonial-era letter for meaning and context.
• Early Colonial Life & Beliefs – Identify values, challenges, and priorities reflected in the settler’s words.
• Historical Perspective-Taking – Understand how colonists viewed their world, community, and responsibilities.
• Text Evidence & Critical Thinking – Support answers with specific details from the primary source.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary social studies and ELA standards.
• Authentic Historical Document – Introduces students to real colonial writing in an age-appropriate format.
• Guided Analysis Questions – Supports comprehension and thoughtful interpretation without overwhelming learners.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for primary source lessons, colonial units, small groups, or formative assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen historical thinking, reading comprehension, and empathy by working directly with a real colonial primary source. By analyzing a 1640 letter, learners gain insight into early American values and daily life while building essential skills for interpreting historical documents. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Colonial America collection.