Virginia Facts & Activities
Supplemental Things to Do When Teaching the History of this State
Virginia is a state that is rich in history. Originally settled by Native Americans, and then later settled by colonists, Virginia is known as one of the 13 original states. The activities and facts listed below can be used to help supplement your current curriculum. Virginia is also teeming with field trip opportunities for those who live in or around the state.
Materials
Books about Virginia - suggestions include:
- Your Travel Guide to Colonial America by Nancy Day
- Virginia: An Alphabetical Guide Through History by Betty Shepard
- Virginia History!: Surprising Secrets About Our State's Founding Mothers, Fathers & Kids! by Carole Marsh
Items to make a colonial costume
Sewing supplies
Butter ingredients (see below)
Fact File
- Native Americans originally settled Virginia.
- Tobacco was the most profitable crop in Virginia and was exported for profit.
- The first European settlers to permanently settle in Virginia came to Jamestown in 1607.
- Virginia produced more national leaders than any other state.
- Virginia played a major role in the Revolutionary War.
- The Native Americans near Jamestown helped teach the new settlers how to hunt and farm.
Activities
Colonial Day
You can turn this activity into several days. Plan a Colonial Day or a Colonial Week.
- Help your children design and make colonial clothing that represents what the originally settlers would have worn. Take part in some colonial activities during this time, too.
- Learn how to write using parchment and calligraphy.
- Sewing and quilting were very important to the settlers. Make a small quilt or teach your child how to use an embroidery hoop.
- Explore games that children would have played during this time. Checkers, marbles, and string games were popular.
- Learn how to bake homemade bread and butter. Butter is easy to make. All you need to do is put 2 cups of heavy cream along with a little salt in a jar. Have the children shake the jar until it starts to thicken. Strain off remaining liquid and chill.
Field Trip Opportunity
Trip to Jamestown
If you are lucky enough to live in the area, then take your children on a field trip to Jamestown. The Jamestown Settlement has a museum, exhibits and outdoor living history. Ticket prices vary according to the package purchase. Camping and overnight trips are also offered.
Additional field trip opportunities can be found at A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling.
Wrap-Up
- Play games and learn lots about the history of Virginia at the Scott County Public Schools website. There are also many printable activities that relate to the history of Virginia as well.
- Jamestown 1607 has information about Jamestown and its importance in not only Virginia's history, but U.S. history as well.
- Find true-to-life and interesting recipes that colonists ate, and you can make at home.
