Settlers traveled great distances to start a new life in America. They traveled from faraway places such as France, England, Scotland, Italy, Germany and other European countries. Many families settled in the eastern cities of America and called them home. After several years, however, some moved to other parts of America in search of better places to live. They made their homes in wilderness areas and became known as pioneers. The pioneers' courage and will to survive helped build the foundation of this great country.

These stories and activities are meant to educate readers about those brave settlers who helped to build America. Many Americans today have ties to some of the early pioneers who overcame many obstacles in order to create a new life for themselves, their families, and their descendants. The activities also encourage the use creativity in thinking and writing about their lives with a unique perspective of how the pioneers helped to change America.

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Grades 3–5.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1; SL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10; RI.5.1; SL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2, 5.4. 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10; RI.5.1; SL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6

Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of texts.
Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific context.
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.

Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant,

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010