The True Story of Pocahontas and Jamestown

This is the type of "real" history that students love, when you pull back the curtain of lies and myths to reveal a truth that is just as interesting as fiction. In this activity, students read about the real Pocahontas and her interactions with the Jamestown settlers sent by the Virginia Company to make money in the New World. I usually show a clip or 2 from the Disney Movie to get everyone's interest piqued (I suggest the "Colors of the Wind" song, followed by the famous moment when she supposedly saved John Smith. They can be found on youtube, or just buy the movie for $5 on Amazon), then we read together, diving into fact and fiction. Students then answer some comprehension and discussion questions. A fun day all around.