Native + African + Early American Colonial Text Set Unit : Perspective Pairings

Is your Early American Lit curriculum more bland than a Puritan cookbook? As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, so let's transform it from yawnsome to awesome with a study of perspective!

Early American founding texts don't have to be boring. When you pair them with rich creation stories, shocking captivity tales, important indigenous issues, and diverse American perspectives, students will not only have a better understanding of the literary landscape of America, but will also gain a better appreciation of the cost of building this nation.

This Native, African, and Early American Unit is designed to take students on a journey through seven text sets. Each text set offers multiple perspectives around a common theme or moment in American history. Use this unit to harness the power of past perspectives and inspire a more united tomorrow!

Are you ready to give Colonial American Literature a creative twist, let's dig in!

Resources to help you invigorate your Early American Lit Unit :

⭐ Creation Story Text Set:

• Introduction to Creation Stories Slide Show

• Creation Story Choice Board

• The Creation Story Comparison

• The World on the Turtle’s Back Story

• Editable Turtle Craft

⭐ Religious Freedom Text Set:

• Motivation Simulation

• Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Close Reading

• Rapid Research Religion

• Sagoyewatha Freedom of Religion Speech

⭐ This is Love Text Set:

• This is Love Poetry and Podcast Text Set

⭐ Captivity Text Set:

• John Smith and Pocahontas Activity

• John Smith History of Virginia Text

• Olaudah Equiano Activity

• The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano Text

⭐ Rhetoric Text Set:

• Rhetorical Triangle Lesson

• Chief Tecumseh Speech

• Patrick Henry and Chief Tecumseh Analysis

• Patrick Henry Speech

⭐ Declaration Text Set:

• Thomas Paine Common Sense Pamphlet

• Non-Pamphlet Thomas Paine Common Sense

• Declaration of Independence

• Declaration of Independence Activity

• Iroquois Great Law of Peace Template

• Declaration of Independence and Constitution of Iroquois

⭐ Cumulation Set:
• Poetic Voices of America Choice Board

• Writing Prompts

• 40 Question Multiple Choice Question Test

This Early American Literature Unit Also Includes:

✅ Answer keys for all
✅ The ability to edit everything to fit your needs
✅ Detailed pacing guide
✅ The option to use digitally or print
✅ Standard alignment

⚠️ A special note:

Early American literature is so important yet so challenging to navigate. I have taken great care in considering sensitivity by working with Northern Paiute educator, C. Toneekia Hernandez and several other ELA and History educators to make this unit inclusive and considerate while providing a wide range of perspectives. For those in states with CRT laws, I have also tried to keep this unit as safe for you as possible. That said, it’s imperative that you preview all these activities and articles to make sure they meet your school policies. Everything is editable to fit your needs, and I encourage you to adjust as needed.

❤️ Per the choice of Mrs. C Toneekia Hernandez, a portion of the proceeds from this resource will go to the American Indian College Fund.


If you are ready to feel the relief of having the MOST challenging unit in your curriculum planned and ready, then add these engaging resources to your toolkit. By teaching multiple perspectives within this literary canon, you'll offer students a broader understanding of history, promote critical thinking skills, and cultivate empathy and respect for diverse cultures. Thank you for all you do!