Social Studies3-5
Colonial Economic Systems: Trade and Mercantilism for Grade 5
By Alondra M.
A short reading packet for 5th graders that introduces colonial trade, mercantilism, and cottage industries through the story of the Miller family in 1740s Massachusetts. Students build vocabulary with a key-terms section and practice explaining economic patterns, with the narrative grounding abstract ideas in everyday life.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 30-45 minute reading block before or during a unit on colonial America, reading the Miller family story aloud or in pairs before discussing the key terms.
- Discussion question: How did the Millers get the things they needed without using money, and why might that matter for a village? Follow up by asking how mercantilism would change the way the Millers traded.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Pre-teach "cottage industry" and "mercantilism" with a simple visual, and have students underline one example of trade in each paragraph.
- Extension for advanced students: Have them compare a cottage industry to a factory and explain how the mother country's control under mercantilism would affect the colony's choices.
- Estimated time: about 30 to 45 minutes including discussion.
Social Studies3-5
Colonial Economic Systems: Trade and Mercantilism for Grade 5
By Alondra M.
A short reading packet for 5th graders that introduces colonial trade, mercantilism, and cottage industries through the story of the Miller family in 1740s Massachusetts. Students build vocabulary with a key-terms section and practice explaining economic patterns, with the narrative grounding abstract ideas in everyday life.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use as a 30-45 minute reading block before or during a unit on colonial America, reading the Miller family story aloud or in pairs before discussing the key terms.
- Discussion question: How did the Millers get the things they needed without using money, and why might that matter for a village? Follow up by asking how mercantilism would change the way the Millers traded.
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Pre-teach "cottage industry" and "mercantilism" with a simple visual, and have students underline one example of trade in each paragraph.
- Extension for advanced students: Have them compare a cottage industry to a factory and explain how the mother country's control under mercantilism would affect the colony's choices.
- Estimated time: about 30 to 45 minutes including discussion.