John smith biography summary graphic organizers

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John Smith Reading Packet This informative reading packet teaches 4th and 5th grade students about the life of John Smith through engaging passages and activities. Students will read a passage that covers key details about Smith's adventures as an explorer and colonist. Following the reading, students will show their understanding by completing multiple choice questions, graphic organizers, and short response questions. These materials work well for individual, small group, or whole class instruction. All answer keys are included, making this a teacher-friendly resource that is ready to print and use right away. This packet integrates social studies and literacy skills.

What's Included

Resource Tags

nonfiction reading John Smith graphic organizer biographies comprehension

Student Activities for The General History of Virginia

Essential Questions for The General History of Virginia by Captain John Smith

1. What makes a narrator reliable, or unreliable?
2. Why are historical narratives important?
3. What are some ways that people persevere in the face of a seemingly hopeless situation?
4. Why is self-reliance an important characteristic to have?
5. Why is the idea of a “fresh start” so appealing to people?
6. How can an historical narrative be used to promote a new place or idea?

The General History of Virginia Summary

The General History of Virginia by John Smith was published in 1624. Many critics have doubted the validity of Smith’s narrative, and many have called him an embellisher. The narrative describes important moments for the British colonizers, such as Smith’s encounters with the Native Americans, including Pocahontas. When John Smith and the English colonists arrived in coastal Virginia in 1607, it was inhabited by about 14,000 Powhatan Indians who spoke an Algonquian language. They were led by Wahunsonacock who is referred to as Chief Powhatan. One of Chief Powhatan's daughters was nicknamed Pocahontas, which means "playful one". Pocahontas met John Smith in 1607 when she was about 11 years old. In Smith's telling, it is the important alliance that he forges with Chief Powhatan that helps maintain a friendly relationship between the English settlers of Jamestown and the Powhatan Indians. While Smith refers to the Native Americans as “savages” in his narrative, some historians say that Smith did regard the Native Americans with kindness and respect.

In John Smith's history about Virginia, he saw himself as the hero of the colony, referring to himself in the third person throughout his narrative. This style of writing creates an abstract picture of a man who helped to save the settlers by organizing, delegating, building, and always saving the greatest, most difficu

This is a biography research organizer about John Smith. The worksheet is two pages that can be printed back-to-back to save paper. Students are prompted by the directions to research the details about his life by answering the prompts in the spaces. Students will need access to external sources in order to take ownership of the research process (most likely the Internet). It is up to you whether you wish to have students work on this independently or collaboratively among each other.

There are various ways this can be assigned in your classroom. It can be given as class work within a unit, homework, extra credit, a sub plan, or any other use in which the goal is for students to take ownership in their learning.

The answer key is included to make grading easier and also as a reference you can use to guide students if they get stuck or have questions.

Product includes:

• Overview
• Biography Research Organizer (2 pages)
• Answer Key

We trust that your students will benefit from their research!

Note: This product is included in our John Smith Journal Unit. If you have purchased the unit or plan to purchase it, you do not need to buy this worksheet.


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John Smith is a referenced topic in the European Colonization topic in Period 2 of AP U.S. History. You could reference this example on your AP U.S. History test.

John Smith, a name synonymous with the early days of English colonization in North America, played a pivotal role in the establishment and survival of the Jamestown colony, the first permanent English settlement in the New World. His leadership, adventurous spirit, and ability to navigate complex relationships with Indigenous peoples were crucial during the colony’s formative years.

Born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1580, John Smith led an adventurous life before arriving in America. He traveled extensively throughout Europe, fought in wars, and even endured a period of captivity in Turkey. These experiences honed his skills in leadership, survival, and negotiation, all of which would prove invaluable in the New World.

In 1607, Smith was among the 104 settlers who founded Jamestown, in present-day Virginia. The early years of the colony were fraught with challenges, including disease, starvation, and conflicts with the Indigenous Powhatan Confederacy. The settlers were unprepared for the harsh conditions and relied heavily on supplies from England, which were often delayed.

John Smith quickly emerged as a key leader, known for his pragmatic approach and strong work ethic. He famously implemented a policy of “He who does not work, shall not eat,” which helped to ensure that all settlers contributed to the survival of the colony. His leadership was instrumental in organizing food production and fortifications, which were crucial for the colony’s defense and sustenance.

One of Smith’s most significant contributions was his ability to establish and maintain relationships with the Indigenous peoples, particularly the Powhatan Confederacy. According to Smith’s own accounts, he was captured by Powhatan warriors and brought before their lea