Right now we are dealing with the repercussions of a hard drive crash on our computer, so I may run a little behind on new posts until we can get a new computer (we are borrowing a computer for now) – I’m sorry!
Our First State
Part of our American history studies this year include some mini “state studies” as time allows, and we are going in the order of when each became a state. This week our feature “story” comes from a video featuring our first state, Delaware. Watch the video here to get a quick, two-minute overview of Delaware’s history while also learning a few state facts.
(If you would like free note booking pages to use while doing any of your own state studies, click here and scroll down to the free downloads. These free printables are really well-done!)
Delaware is known as the first state (and so-nicknamed) because on December 7, 1787, it became the first of the 13 original states to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It also was known as one of the breadbasket colonies. These colonies produced more food than the other colonies and included Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
The state’s name comes from the first colonial governor of Virginia, Sir Thomas West, 3rd Baron Lord De La Warr, who traveled the Delaware River (also named after him) in 1610. The land that comprises Delaware originally was acquired by William Penn to keep the Pennsylvania colony from being landlocked. It is our second smallest state and has only three counties!
Learn more about Delaware with our feature video:
Delaware’s History and Basic Facts
Learn some basic facts about Delaware.
Watch a video to learn how Delaware got its shape.
View a photo gallery of famous places and landmarks in Delaware.
Dig deeper with more extensive information about the history of Delaware.
To learn more about the original inhabitants of Delaware, the Lenni Lenape, or Delaware Indians, click here.
Find out the names of some famous Delawareans.
Older learners might like to read about Delaware’s role in the American Revolution with this free eBook.
State Emblems and Symbols
Learn more about Delaware’s state bird. I like this sheet because of the extra information given, so I recommend checking it out. If you want a bigger selection, including a state map and other state symbol coloring pages, use this page and scroll down after the click (the extra page offerings are below the featured coloring sheet).
Print an activity sheet about the Delaware state flower.
Color a Delaware state symbol page.
Learn about the meaning of each symbol in the Delaware state symbol. (You’ll need to scroll down to get to the information, but all of the information at this link is great!)
Music and Poetry
Read John John Greenleaf Whittier’s poem, To Delaware.
Listen to the Delaware state song.
Activities and Printables
Print a free state of Delaware activity and coloring book.
Grab this free Delaware activity book for your pre-K – 1st graders.
Use a “D is for Delaware” word search.
Enjoy a free US Northeast regions states and capitals map activity book.
If you plan to visit (or live in) Delaware, you can print a Delaware passport. After following the instructions, you can earn a free limited-edition book!
Library Book Suggestions
Delaware (From Sea to Shining Sea series)
F is for First State: A Delaware Alphabet
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